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Preakness 2026 Set to Define the Heart of the Triple Crown Season

The is set to return in spectacular fashion with Preakness 2026, drawing global attention to one of American horse racing’s most iconic events. As the second jewel of the Triple Crown, the race once again carries massive expectations—hopeful excitement for fans and horsemen, alongside concerns about competitiveness, safety, and long-term tradition.

Run annually at , Preakness will play a crucial role in shaping whether the season builds toward a historic Triple Crown moment or fades into controversy.

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Why Preakness 2026 Matters More Than Ever

Following the , the Preakness often determines whether a true championship narrative can continue. A Derby winner entering Pimlico brings national buzz, while a fresh challenger can reset the entire season.

Key Stakes Heading into Preakness

• Potential continuation—or collapse—of Triple Crown dreams
• Career-defining moments for jockeys and trainers
• Renewed spotlight on American thoroughbred racing

The race’s outcome can elevate the sport—or expose its fractures.

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Positive Momentum: Why Fans Are Excited About 2026

Optimism surrounds Preakness 2026 thanks to strong fan interest, improved broadcast coverage, and deeper fields expected from elite stables. The race remains a celebration of speed, strategy, and legacy.

Reasons for Optimism

• Elite three-year-old thoroughbreds competing
• Global media attention and betting engagement
• Tradition blended with modern racing presentation

For many, Preakness remains the most unpredictable and thrilling leg of the Triple Crown.

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Negative Concerns: Challenges Facing Preakness 2026

Despite its prestige, the race faces ongoing criticism. Questions around field size, horse safety, and Pimlico’s long-term future continue to spark debate within the industry.

Concerns Impacting the Event

• Smaller fields compared to the Kentucky Derby
• Growing scrutiny over racing conditions
• Uncertainty surrounding venue modernization

These issues add tension to what should be a purely celebratory event.

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Where to Follow Official Preakness Coverage

Fans looking for schedules, entries, and official announcements can follow updates directly from trusted sources:

• Official Preakness site:
  
• Triple Crown coverage:
  
• Broadcast and racing updates:
  

These platforms will provide real-time news, post positions, and race-day analysis.

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What to Expect on Race Day at Pimlico

Preakness 2026 will once again transform Baltimore into the epicenter of horse racing. From the roar of the crowd to the final stretch drive, the race is designed to deliver unforgettable drama—whether it crowns a rising legend or ends a championship dream.

For the sport, Preakness 2026 is more than a race. It is a test of tradition, resilience, and relevance in a rapidly evolving sports landscape.

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U.S. Hunts Alleged Iranian Spy Monica Witt – FBI Drops $200,000 Bounty for Ex-Air Force Sergeant

The FBI is going all-in to catch a former U.S. Air Force sergeant who allegedly sold her country out to Iran – and they’re putting up a $200,000 reward to make it happen.

Meet Monica Witt, 47, a onetime U.S. Air Force intelligence technical sergeant and later a defense contractor. In February 2019, a federal grand jury indicted her on serious espionage charges, including sharing classified national defense information with the Iranian government. But here’s the kicker: investigators believe she defected to Iran back in 2013 – and may still be actively helping the regime today.

From Top-Secret Clearance to Alleged Betrayal

Witt served in the U.S. military from 1997 to 2008, then worked as a government contractor until 2010. During that time, she had access to top-secret intelligence – including the real identities of undercover U.S. intelligence personnel. That’s the kind of information that can get people killed.

“Monica Witt allegedly betrayed her oath to the Constitution more than a decade ago by defecting to Iran and providing the Iranian regime National Defense Information,” said Daniel Wierzbicki, special agent with the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division. “She likely continues to support their nefarious activities. The FBI has not forgotten.”

She Put U.S. Families in the Crosshairs

According to the indictment filed in the District of Columbia, Witt didn’t just hand over secrets – she reportedly helped Iran target her former colleagues and their families stationed overseas.

“Witt allegedly intentionally provided information endangering U.S personnel and their families stationed abroad,” the FBI said in a public release. She also conducted research on behalf of the Iranian regime to help them single out her old teammates in the U.S. government.

The FBI adds that her actions have directly benefited Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) – a designated terrorist organization responsible for intelligence gathering, unconventional warfare, and supporting attacks on Americans.

What Monica Witt Looks Like – And Her Aliases

If you’re scanning a crowd, here’s who to look for:

• Race: White
• Hair: Brown
• Eyes: Brown
• Height: 5 feet 10 inches
• Weight: 120 pounds

She also goes by at least two aliases: Fatemah Zahra and Narges Witt.

Why This Matters to Every American

This isn’t just a dry intelligence story. Witt’s alleged betrayal puts real U.S. service members, intelligence officers, and their families at risk. When someone with her level of clearance turns against the country, they can expose codenames, operations, and cover identities – stuff that takes years and millions of dollars to rebuild. Worse, it can get people killed.

The FBI is treating this as a top priority. “During this critical moment in Iran’s history,” Agent Wierzbicki said, “there is someone who knows something about her whereabouts.”

How You Can Help – And Claim the Reward

The FBI is asking anyone with information – no matter how small – to step up. You can remain anonymous, and if your tip leads to Witt’s capture and prosecution, you could walk away with $200,000.

Contact options:

• Call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)
• Reach your local FBI office
• Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate
• Submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov

Don’t wait. Witt has been on the run for over a decade, and the FBI believes someone out there knows exactly where she is hiding.

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Rates Just Took a Nasty Turn – Here’s What You Need to Know (May 13, 2026)

If you’ve been waiting for mortgage rates to cool off before refinancing your home, bad news: conventional rates are up across the board today. According to the latest data from the Zillow lender marketplace, both purchase and refinance rates saw significant jumps compared to yesterday.

Let’s cut to the chase. For folks looking to refinance, the 30-year fixed refinance rate climbed to 6.23% – that’s a noticeable hike. And it’s not just the 30-year. Nearly every loan type got more expensive overnight.

So, what’s going on? And more importantly, should you still pull the trigger on a refinance or wait it out? We’ll break it all down in plain English.

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Today’s Mortgage Rates (For Home Buyers):Mortgage Refinance Rates

Before we dive into refinance numbers, here’s where purchase rates stand on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, according to Zillow data. Remember, these are national averages:

Loan Type	Interest Rate
30-year fixed	6.26%
20-year fixed	6.22%
15-year fixed	5.76%
5/1 ARM	6.47%
7/1 ARM	6.30%
30-year VA	5.65%
15-year VA	5.23%
5/1 VA	5.15%

The biggest movers? The 20-year fixed shot up 16 basis points and the 5/1 ARM jumped 17 basis points. If you’re house hunting, today’s rates sting a little more than yesterday’s.

👉 Learn more about how mortgage rates are determined

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Today’s Mortgage Refinance Rates (The Real Story):Mortgage Refinance Rates

Now for the main event – refinance rates. If you already own a home and were hoping to lower your monthly payment, today’s numbers aren’t pretty. Here’s the latest from Zillow for May 13, 2026:

Loan Type	Refinance Rate
30-year fixed	6.23%
20-year fixed	6.24%
15-year fixed	5.66%
5/1 ARM	6.12%
7/1 ARM	5.94%
30-year VA	5.60%
15-year VA	5.21%
5/1 VA	5.26%

A few things to notice:

• Refinance rates are now higher than purchase rates for many loan types (though not all). That’s unusual – typically, refis cost a bit more, but the gap has widened.
• The 20-year fixed refi rate (6.24%) is actually higher than the 30-year refi rate (6.23%). That’s a head-scratcher, but it happens when markets move fast.
• VA loans still offer the lowest refi rates, with the 5/1 VA at just 5.15%. If you’re a veteran, that’s your best bet.

Pro tip: These are national averages. Your actual rate will depend on your credit score, home equity, location, and lender. Shop around!

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Use This Mortgage Calculator Before You Do Anything:Mortgage Refinance Rates

Don’t guess your monthly payment – crunch the numbers first. Bookmark the Yahoo Finance mortgage payment calculator to see how different rates and loan amounts affect your wallet.

The calculator lets you factor in:

• Private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you put down less than 20%
• Homeowners association (HOA) dues if applicable
• Property taxes and home insurance

A $300,000loanat6.23$300,000loanat6.231,845**. At 5.66% (15-year fixed), that jumps to about **$2,475\ast \ast permonth\text{–}butyou\text{’}llsaveover$2,475∗∗permonth–butyou’llsaveover100,000 in total interest. Trade-offs, people.

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30-Year vs. 15-Year Refinance: Which One Makes Sense Now?

Let’s talk real talk. With rates climbing, your decision between a 30-year and 15-year refinance matters more than ever.

30-Year Fixed Refinance – The Safe Bet

• Pros: Lower monthly payments, predictable rate for three decades.
• Cons: Higher interest rate (6.23% today) and you’ll pay way more interest over time.
• Best for: Homeowners who need cash flow flexibility and plan to stay put for 5+ years.

15-Year Fixed Refinance – The Wealth Builder

• Pros: Lower rate (5.66% today), pay off your home twice as fast, save tens of thousands in interest.
• Cons: Monthly payments are significantly higher.
• Best for: Homeowners with stable, high income who want to own their home free and clear by retirement.

Example: On a $250,000loan,the30-yearrefiat6.23$250,000loan,the30−yearrefiat6.231,537/month. The 15-year at 5.66% costs ~$2,062\mathrm{/}month\mathrm{.}Thatextra$2,062/month.Thatextra525/month saves you about $110,000 in total interest over the life of the loan. Not chump change.

👉 Should you get a 15-year or a 30-year mortgage? Compare side-by-side here

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Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs) – A Risky Gamble Right Now?

ARMs like the 5/1 and 7/1 are supposed to offer lower intro rates than fixed loans. But today? That’s flipped. According to Zillow, the 5/1 ARM refinance rate is 6.12% – higher than the 30-year fixed refi rate (6.23%? Wait, no – 6.23% fixed vs 6.12% ARM, actually ARM is slightly lower. Let me correct: 6.12% ARM is lower than 6.23% fixed. So ARMs still have a tiny edge.)

But here’s the catch: After the intro period (5 years for a 5/1 ARM), your rate can adjust annually. With rates trending up, you could get hammered later. Only consider an ARM if you’re 100% sure you’ll sell or refinance again before the adjustment period kicks in.

👉 Learn more: Adjustable-rate vs. fixed-rate mortgages

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Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You’re Sweating)

What’s the 30-year refinance rate right now?

As of today, May 13, 2026, the national average 30-year refinance rate is 6.23% according to Zillow’s lender marketplace. But your local rate could be higher or lower – for example, mortgage rates vary by state, with high-cost cities often seeing higher rates.

Are mortgage rates dropping?

Not today. Rates are on the rise after a brief dip. Remember, at the end of March, the 30-year fixed touched nearly 6.50%. Then rates dropped almost half a point. But compared to yesterday? Everything’s up. The 20-year fixed jumped 16 basis points – that’s a big one-day move.

How do I get the lowest refinance rate?

Same playbook as when you bought your home:

1. Boost your credit score – even 20 points can shave 0.25% off your rate.
2. Lower your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) – pay down credit cards and avoid new loans.
3. Consider a shorter term – 15-year refi rates are lower than 30-year (5.66% vs 6.23%).
4. Shop at least three lenders – rates vary wildly.

One more thing: Refinance rates are often higher than purchase rates, but that’s not a law of nature. If you have strong equity (20%+) and excellent credit, you might snag a deal.

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The Bottom Line for American Homeowners:Mortgage Refinance Rates

Look, nobody likes seeing rates jump. Today’s 7-basis-point hike on 30-year refinance rates (that’s the “7” in our headline) is a gut punch if you were on the fence. But don’t panic. Rates are still far below the 7-8% range we saw in late 2023. If you can lock a 30-year refi at 6.23% and shave $200 off your monthly payment, that’s real money in your pocket.

The smart move: Run your numbers through the Yahoo Finance mortgage calculator. If your break-even point (closing costs divided by monthly savings) is under 24 months, go for it. If not, wait for the next dip – but don’t hold your breath. Rates are volatile.

Data source: Zillow lender marketplace, May 13, 2026. National averages rounded to nearest hundredth.