Perez explains decision to file suit over alleged election interference
Tom Perez, who chairs the Democratic National Committee and lives in Takoma Park, this weekend defended the committee’s decision to file a multimillion-dollar lawsuit alleging collusion between WikiLeaks, Russia and the Trump campaign. Trump, other Republicans and left-wing critics of the DNC have derided the suit as the party’s attempt to cover its own failings. But Perez said during a TV talk show it was imperative to file the claim to protect the integrity of the upcoming elections in November. [Washington Post]
Democratic activists favor Baker in straw poll on gubernatorial race
Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III came out on top this weekend in a straw poll as Democratic activists weighed in on the party’s gubernatorial primary. The informal voting took place at an annual party gathering in Allegany County. Krish Vignarajah, another candidate for Maryland governor, placed second behind Baker in the poll. In the straw poll on the 6th District congressional race, State Del. Aruna Miller won the most votes. [Washington Post]
JPMorgan Chase to open location in Bethesda, around D.C. area
JPMorgan Chase is gearing up to open bank branches across the D.C. region, including one in Bethesda. The company recently announced it plans to establish 70 locations in D.C., Maryland and Virginia by 2023. The move comes even as many bank customers are growing less reliant on physical locations, preferring to handle transactions on mobile apps. [Washington Post]
Emergency rooms, doctors in Maryland overwhelmed by patients with behavioral needs
Hospitals across the state say they’ve become overwhelmed with the number of patients who have mental health or substance abuse issues. Patients with behavioral health issues now represent about a quarter of all emergency room visits in Maryland. One factor in the problem is the decline in the availability of state-run psychiatric beds, which have decreased in number by about 80 percent in the past three decades. [Baltimore Sun]
Warm, sunny weather in Monday forecast
The temperatures should climb to about 67 degrees, with sunny skies expected Monday. Overnight, some rain is possible, and lows will be in the upper 40s, according to the National Weather Service.
In case you missed it …
Inmate Named ‘Person of Interest’ in 18-Year-Old Unsolved Bethesda Homicide Hanged Himself
District 1 County Council Candidates Clash Over Influence of Campaign Donors