Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Mayor to Address Doubts About Health

Washington Mayor Marion Barry’s abrupt two-week sabbatical has damaged his credibility as a leader and raised questions about his well-being that he must address in a speech planned for today, city officials and supporters said. “The mayor needs to be very forthright,” said Councilman Kevin P. Chavous. “He’s got to really be candid in order to lay to rest some of the negative rumors out there.” Raymone Bain, Barry’s spokeswoman, denied a rumor that he intends to step down. “He is not resigning,” she said. Barry took an unscheduled leave April 27 to seek “spiritual and physical renewal.”