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Deadly shooting at San Diego's largest mosque

Officers evacuated people from the Clairemont mosque as police responded Monday afternoon.

Politics & Policy

Five people are dead — including two gunmen — after a shooting at the Islamic Center of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego" data-vars-content-id="51a70942-b794-481d-b880-4f1c2617effa" data-vars-headline="Deadly shooting at San Diego&#x27;s largest mosque" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego" target="_self">San Diego</a> in Clairemont, according to San Diego Police.

San Diego mosque shooting victims praised for "heroic" actions

The 3 community members are being remembered for protecting children and others.

The three victims in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monday&#x27;s shooting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/18/shooting-san-diego-islamic-center" data-vars-content-id="83203d6a-8309-4dcd-9b8e-91bb216300bc" data-vars-headline="San Diego mosque shooting victims praised for &quot;heroic&quot; actions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/18/shooting-san-diego-islamic-center" target="_self">Monday&#x27;s shooting</a> at the Islamic Center of San Diego were all beloved members of the Muslim community and acted heroically to save other lives, according to community leaders and San Diego police.Security guard Amin Abdullah, as well as community members Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad, were shot outside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the center&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/18/san-diego-islamic-center-shooting-mosque-threats" data-vars-content-id="83203d6a-8309-4dcd-9b8e-91bb216300bc" data-vars-headline="San Diego mosque shooting victims praised for &quot;heroic&quot; actions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/18/san-diego-islamic-center-shooting-mosque-threats" target="_self">the center&#x27;s</a> entrance and are being lauded for preventing violence from reaching children attending school inside.

What to know about California's June 2 primary

California voters will weigh in on crowded statewide races and key San Diego measures this June.

Politics

The June 2 primary is coming up, and California voters have a lot to decide.Why it matters: More than a dozen statewide elections will alter the political landscape in the Golden State, from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crowded governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/13/eric-swalwell-drops-out-california-governor-race-scandal-democrats-open-field" data-vars-content-id="d5348f82-8210-44b5-bc7b-323cf802acbe" data-vars-headline="What to know about California&#x27;s June 2 primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/13/eric-swalwell-drops-out-california-governor-race-scandal-democrats-open-field" target="_self">crowded governor&#x27;s race</a> to the consequential campaign for insurance commissioner.<ul><li>The top two vote-getters in the primary advance to the November general election, regardless of party affiliation. (For a full list of candidates, check out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="California&#x27;s official voter information guide" data-vars-click-url="https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/candidates/" data-vars-content-id="d5348f82-8210-44b5-bc7b-323cf802acbe" data-vars-headline="What to know about California&#x27;s June 2 primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/candidates/" target="_blank">California&#x27;s official voter information guide</a>.)</li></ul>

Some in San Diego Islamic Center community feared attack for years

Some in San Diego Muslim community feared attack for years

"This is all of our nightmares," she told Axios.

News

Homayra Yusufi has gone to the Islamic Center of San Diego since she was a child and told Axios that the community has long been afraid something like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monday&#x27;s fatal shooting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/18/shooting-san-diego-islamic-center" data-vars-content-id="4352fb97-be0a-46aa-a06c-57fa0636331a" data-vars-headline="Some in San Diego Islamic Center community feared attack for years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/18/shooting-san-diego-islamic-center" target="_self">Monday&#x27;s fatal shooting</a> would happen. <ul><li>&quot;The Islamic Center has gotten multiple threats of violence, and so this is all of our nightmares,&quot; she said.</li></ul>

SDFC opens new court in Southeast

The colorful soccer and basketball court is also a public art piece at Henderson Sports Complex.

Sports

Kids in Southcrest and Lincoln Park have a fresh place to play sports thanks to San Diego FC.Zoom in: The colorful sport court and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public art piece" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYQnYXHyf05/" data-vars-content-id="c804ab5e-2476-482a-87f1-0cea5807ce42" data-vars-headline="SDFC opens new court in Southeast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYQnYXHyf05/" target="_blank">public art piece</a> opened at the Willie Henderson Sports Complex over the weekend.

SDFC's $24 million player payroll is top 5 in MLS

SDFC's Chucky Lozano, one of the highest paid players in MLS, isn't on the field.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego FC " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/02/sdfc-2026-season-concacaf-champions-cup-snapdragon" data-vars-content-id="130e660d-2361-413f-a654-c481ef72fdcf" data-vars-headline="SDFC&#x27;s $24 million player payroll is top 5 in MLS" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/02/sdfc-2026-season-concacaf-champions-cup-snapdragon" target="_self">San Diego FC </a>spends nearly $24.4 million on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="compensation for its players" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/07/11/mls-player-team-salary-2025" data-vars-content-id="130e660d-2361-413f-a654-c481ef72fdcf" data-vars-headline="SDFC&#x27;s $24 million player payroll is top 5 in MLS" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/07/11/mls-player-team-salary-2025" target="_self">compensation for its players</a>, according to the Major League Soccer Players Association&#x27;s latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="salary guide" data-vars-click-url="https://mlsplayers.org/resources/salary-guide" data-vars-content-id="130e660d-2361-413f-a654-c481ef72fdcf" data-vars-headline="SDFC&#x27;s $24 million player payroll is top 5 in MLS" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mlsplayers.org/resources/salary-guide" target="_blank">salary guide</a>.<ul><li>But that total is less than what the league&#x27;s top-paid player brings in.</li></ul>

San Diego poker pro makes a living playing the odds

A San Diego player turned math into a career, grinding poker games from Chula Vista to Vegas.

&quot;Professional poker player&quot; might sound like a euphemism for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="someone who loses money" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/08/polymarket-kalshi-draftkings-fanduel-betting" data-vars-content-id="468079e9-0e54-406a-9b63-dce1eb458a32" data-vars-headline="San Diego poker pro makes a living playing the odds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/08/polymarket-kalshi-draftkings-fanduel-betting" target="_self">someone who loses money</a> at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="casinos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/gambling-laws-tax-2026-states" data-vars-content-id="468079e9-0e54-406a-9b63-dce1eb458a32" data-vars-headline="San Diego poker pro makes a living playing the odds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/gambling-laws-tax-2026-states" target="_self">casinos</a> all day, but San Diegan <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tim Acker" data-vars-click-url="https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&amp;n=130368" data-vars-content-id="468079e9-0e54-406a-9b63-dce1eb458a32" data-vars-headline="San Diego poker pro makes a living playing the odds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&amp;n=130368" target="_blank">Tim Acker</a> has been living that dream for the past 20 years.The big picture: He&#x27;s all in on poker, splitting his time between online games, casino tournaments and the Chula Vista card room Seven Mile, and making a living in the process.<ul><li>Acker tells Axios that he stays away from private games in San Diego, though, because they&#x27;re &quot;sketch,&quot; meaning you might get cheated or robbed.</li></ul>

San Diego poker pro shares tips to win at the table

A local pro breaks down simple strategies — from betting to bluffing — that can improve your game.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tim Acker" data-vars-click-url="https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&amp;n=130368" data-vars-content-id="3e017278-64e6-487d-b283-ed6926c271a1" data-vars-headline="San Diego poker pro shares tips to win at the table" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&amp;n=130368" target="_blank">Tim Acker</a>&#x27;s job is to play poker. He&#x27;s been a professional player for 20 years and told Axios he makes in the six figures playing casino tournaments, online and in the Chula Vista card room Seven Mile.The big picture: The pro sat down with Kate, Claire and their husbands for a poker lesson (lucky us!). It all comes down to math, he said.

Padres close to being sold for a record amount

A deal being discussed would be the highest valuation ever for a MLB team sale.

The San Diego Padres are reportedly nearing a sale.Why it matters: They&#x27;re still chasing their first World Series — but could sooner claim a different distinction: the highest valuation ever for an MLB team sale.

Carlsbad 5000 marks 40 years of super-fast racing

The race's speed, history and community spirit keep it among the world's best.

The Carlsbad 5000 race draws elite runners from around the world hoping to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="smash records" data-vars-click-url="https://worldathletics.org/news/news/dibaba-equals-worlds-fastest-ever-time-for-5k" data-vars-content-id="ca4e53ff-4f8c-4d4b-a2b6-76bf3f6a122c" data-vars-headline="Carlsbad 5000 marks 40 years of super-fast racing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://worldathletics.org/news/news/dibaba-equals-worlds-fastest-ever-time-for-5k" target="_blank">smash records</a>, and this Sunday, the race celebrates a milestone birthday.Why it matters: This will be the 40th year that runners pound the streets of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carlsbad" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/04/17/lilo-restaurant-opens-carlsbad-village" data-vars-content-id="ca4e53ff-4f8c-4d4b-a2b6-76bf3f6a122c" data-vars-headline="Carlsbad 5000 marks 40 years of super-fast racing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/04/17/lilo-restaurant-opens-carlsbad-village" target="_self">Carlsbad</a> for what&#x27;s come to be known as &quot;the world&#x27;s fastest 5K.&quot;

More San Diego girls are playing flag football as pro league assembles

Local athletes could soon have a shot at going pro in an NFL-sponsored league.

The number of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high school girls&#x27; flag football teams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2023/10/13/high-school-girls-flag-football" data-vars-content-id="5c92dcf4-9618-472a-8c81-332872d7a737" data-vars-headline="More San Diego girls are playing flag football as pro league assembles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2023/10/13/high-school-girls-flag-football" target="_self">high school girls&#x27; flag football teams</a> playing in San Diego has nearly doubled since 2023, when the varsity sport became official in California.<ul><li>And local girls could soon have a shot at going pro in an NFL-sponsored league.</li></ul>The big picture: Women are increasingly joining the typically male-dominated sport as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leagues are expanding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/03/17/more-women-are-playing-football" data-vars-content-id="5c92dcf4-9618-472a-8c81-332872d7a737" data-vars-headline="More San Diego girls are playing flag football as pro league assembles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/03/17/more-women-are-playing-football" target="_self">leagues are expanding</a> at the high school, collegiate and professional levels across the country.

San Diego has 1 of top-played disc golf courses in world

Morley Field logged tens of thousands of rounds as disc golf surges in popularity.

Disc golf is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surging in popularity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/25/charlotte-disc-golf-growth-courses-tourism-hornets-nest-queen-city-classic" data-vars-content-id="248ecc75-ad0a-4cc7-99e8-f84d9d232455" data-vars-headline="San Diego has 1 of top-played disc golf courses in world" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/25/charlotte-disc-golf-growth-courses-tourism-hornets-nest-queen-city-classic" target="_self">surging in popularity</a> in San Diego and across the country, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new report" data-vars-click-url="https://udisc.com/disc-golf-growth-report/2026" data-vars-content-id="248ecc75-ad0a-4cc7-99e8-f84d9d232455" data-vars-headline="San Diego has 1 of top-played disc golf courses in world" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://udisc.com/disc-golf-growth-report/2026" target="_blank">a new report</a> from the disc golf app <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="UDisc" data-vars-click-url="https://udisc.com/" data-vars-content-id="248ecc75-ad0a-4cc7-99e8-f84d9d232455" data-vars-headline="San Diego has 1 of top-played disc golf courses in world" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://udisc.com/" target="_blank">UDisc</a>.The big picture: The number of new players, rounds played and events all increased at San Diego courses in 2025, according to the report.

San Diego's 1st women's sports bar opening in North Park

One of Us opens in North Park, giving fans a dedicated space to watch women's sports.

Women&#x27;s sports fans will soon be able to cheer on their favorite teams at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="One of Us" data-vars-click-url="https://www.oneofusbar.com/" data-vars-content-id="cf4f47e6-49a8-4830-a90e-13da1d0e0d82" data-vars-headline="San Diego&#x27;s 1st women&#x27;s sports bar opening in North Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.oneofusbar.com/" target="_blank">One of Us</a>, San Diego&#x27;s first women&#x27;s sports bar.Why it matters: Viewership and attendance for women&#x27;s sports are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="soaring" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/15/usa-today-womens-sports-stories" data-vars-content-id="cf4f47e6-49a8-4830-a90e-13da1d0e0d82" data-vars-headline="San Diego&#x27;s 1st women&#x27;s sports bar opening in North Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/15/usa-today-womens-sports-stories" target="_self">soaring</a>, and local fans are desperate for a place where they don&#x27;t have to fight to get those games on TVs.

San Diego Wave sign USWNT star Cat Macario in record NWSL deal

It's a homecoming for the international women's soccer star who grew up playing in Del Mar.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego Wave FC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/12/san-diego-wave-game-houston-dash-2026-nwsl-home-opener" data-vars-content-id="f30e3aef-2f64-41ae-b384-79c7cf9d983d" data-vars-headline="San Diego Wave sign USWNT star Cat Macario in record NWSL deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/12/san-diego-wave-game-houston-dash-2026-nwsl-home-opener" target="_self">San Diego Wave FC</a> signed U.S. Women&#x27;s National Team forward Catarina Macario in a record-breaking deal that makes her one of the highest paid players in the National Women&#x27;s Soccer League.Why it matters: The soccer star coming home to San Diego helps elevate the team into an NWSL Championship contender as it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rebuilds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/14/wave-angel-city-game-2025-nwsl-season-womens-sports-bar" data-vars-content-id="f30e3aef-2f64-41ae-b384-79c7cf9d983d" data-vars-headline="San Diego Wave sign USWNT star Cat Macario in record NWSL deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/14/wave-angel-city-game-2025-nwsl-season-womens-sports-bar" target="_self">rebuilds</a> with international and young talent.<ul><li>Her <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lucrative contract" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48224025/cat-macario-record-nwsl-deal-san-diego-wave" data-vars-content-id="f30e3aef-2f64-41ae-b384-79c7cf9d983d" data-vars-headline="San Diego Wave sign USWNT star Cat Macario in record NWSL deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48224025/cat-macario-record-nwsl-deal-san-diego-wave" target="_blank">lucrative contract</a> has been reported as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="highest-value deal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2026/catarina-macario-contract-nwsl-san-diego-wave-1234887043/#:~:text=Cat%20Macario%20Signs%20Record%20NWSL,to%20join%20the%20club%20imminently." data-vars-content-id="f30e3aef-2f64-41ae-b384-79c7cf9d983d" data-vars-headline="San Diego Wave sign USWNT star Cat Macario in record NWSL deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2026/catarina-macario-contract-nwsl-san-diego-wave-1234887043/#:~:text=Cat%20Macario%20Signs%20Record%20NWSL,to%20join%20the%20club%20imminently." target="_blank">highest-value deal</a> in the history of women&#x27;s professional soccer.</li></ul>

A bar chart that compares 2026 MLS team guaranteed compensation as of April 16. Inter Miami leads at $54.6 million, far ahead of LAFC at $32.6 million. Atlanta United ranks third at $27.9 million. Among the 10 teams shown, Chicago Fire is lowest at $21.7 million.

Total guaranteed compensation, by MLS team

Data: MLS Players Association; Note: List includes the 10 teams spending the most on compensation. Guaranteed compensation includes a player's base salary, agent's fees, and all signing, marketing and guaranteed bonuses annualized over the term of the player's contract, including option years. Chart: Adam Tamburin/Axios

Sports 🏅

SDFC opens new court in Southeast

SDFC's $24 million player payroll is top 5 in MLS

San Diego Mojo pro volleyball says farewell, for now

San Diego poker pro makes a living playing the odds

San Diego poker pro shares tips to win at the table