LOS ANGELES (AP) — An early count of mail-in ballots Tuesday pointed to a close race for Los Angeles mayor.

Read more here: Early vote points to close race as LA picks mayor

WASHINGTON (AP) — When Ben Bernanke testifies about the U.S. economy Wednesday, the Federal Reserve chairman's words will be examined for any clues that the Fed might soon taper — or increase — its support for the economy.

Read more here: Bernanke testimony to be studied for policy clues

WASHINGTON (AP) — Now that tech darling Apple Inc. has been dragged front and center into the debate over the U.S. tax code, lawmakers are hoping that the spotlight on such a high-profile company could be the catalyst for Congress to take action to close loopholes or reform the law.

Read more here: Apple case seen as possible spur to tax action

By Deepa Seetharaman DETROIT (Reuters) – Ford Motor Co is adding a week of production at 20 North American factories this year to build an additional 40,000 vehicles and help sustain its gains in U.S. market share. The second-largest U.S. automaker said on Wednesday that those factories will be idled for just one week this summer instead of the traditional two-week “summer shutdown” period. This is the second year in a row that the automaker has taken this step. The added capacity comes at a time when Ford sales are outpacing the overall U.S. auto market. Strength in the U.S. …

Read more here: Ford adds production in North America to meet new car demand

Today is Wednesday, May 22, the 142nd day of 2013. There are 223 days left in the year.

Read more here: Today in History

(Reuters) – Vivian Cheruiyot is not defending her world 5,000 and 10,000 meters gold medals in Moscow in August because she is expecting her first child, the Kenyan said in a statement. The 29-year-old, who won both races at the 2011 world athletics championships in Daegu, South Korea, took silver and bronze in the 5,000 and 10,000 at last year's London Olympics. In a statement released by her agent Ricky Simms on Wednesday, Cheruiyot said she would resume her career next year. She had first revealed her decision not to compete in Moscow on Tuesday but gave no reason for her absence. …

Read more here: Cheruiyot expecting first child, aims to return in 2014

PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) — A North Korean state media dispatch shows that leader Kim Jong Un has named a hardline general as his new military chief.

Read more here: State media shows NKorea has new military chief

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Residents are voting to keep Portland, Ore., as the largest U.S. city without fluoride in the water or any plans to add it.

Read more here: Portland, Ore., rejecting water fluoridation

May 22 (Reuters) – Vivian Cheruiyot is not defending her world 5,000 and 10,000 metres gold medals in Moscow in August because she is expecting her first child, the Kenyan said in a statement. The 29-year-old, who won both races at the 2011 world athletics championships in Daegu, South Korea, took silver and bronze in the 5,000 and 10,000 at last year’s London Olympics. In a statement released by her agent Ricky Simms on Wednesday, Cheruiyot said she would resume her career next year. She had first revealed her decision not to compete in Moscow on Tuesday but gave no reason for her absence. …

Read more here: Athletics-Cheruiyot expecting first child, aims to return in 2014

TOKYO (Reuters) – The Bank of Japan on Wednesday decided to keep monetary policy on hold, but one board member tried unsuccessfully to loosen the central bank's commitment to achieving its 2 percent inflation target within two years. In a unanimous vote, the BOJ maintained its pledge to increase base money, or cash and deposits at the central bank, at an annual pace of 60 trillion to 70 trillion yen ($585-$682 billion). …

Read more here: BOJ keeps policy on hold; Kiuchi proposes looser price target timeframe