NEWS IN BRIEF

*Home sales are down slightly in metro Atlanta. Georgia News Network reports the Georgia Multiple Listing Service reports a 16-percent drop from June to July across the 12-county area, which includes Forsyth and Gwinnett counties. Mortgage rates are currently hovering around seven percent.  
*State Representative David Clark (R-Buford) was recently appointed by Speaker Jon Burns to serve as a member of the Georgia Joint Defense Commission. The commission works to evaluate defense and military issues and provide recommendations that support the development of these installations.