Good morning, Grants Pass.

Britt Music & Arts Festival announced Wednesday morning that Norman Huynh was named the new music director for the Britt Festival Orchestra—he will begin his three-year term later this month and lead the summer season.

He is known for his dynamic style and innovative programming and will engage in community events to broaden the orchestra's reach.

Six states have removed soda from SNAP benefits—and in four states candy is also banned—to boost healthy diets for low-income residents.

Oregon has kept its current rules, but local officials and advocates are watching these changes to see if future limits will be added.

The Grants Pass City Council is considering a plan to hire more police officers and firefighters using unspent funds to avoid raising fees or taxes—public safety chiefs reported challenges with retention and overtime, and city manager Aaron Cubic warned that the approach might lead to layoffs if funding proves unsustainable. Councilors will vote on the strategy at a future meeting.

Grants Pass City Council is expected to discuss a potential settlement agreement tonight regarding a lawsuit filed in January by Disability Rights Oregon and the Oregon Law Center that accused the city of forcing homeless residents with disabilities to live in unsafe conditions—since then, the city has made several upgrades to its homeless site and a county judge modified a preliminary injunction limiting enforcement in seven parks.

The City of Gold Hill is planning to modernize its sewer and wastewater system after 13 years since its first sanction from the U.S. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

City officials will review proposals for a costly link with the RV sewer system to meet updated standards.

People in Grants Pass are urged to protect personal photos, saved passwords, and bank details by using trusted antivirus programs—like Norton, Bitdefender, or McAfee—and secure Wi-Fi connections with VPNs when needed.

Experts add that easy-to-use mobile security apps, file backup services, and password managers can further guard digital information from hackers.

Doom Scroll Concert

8-11:30 p.m. — Our Studio — Free venue parking — Enjoy an energizing night with Doom Scroll and supporting acts RawkWater and Hard 2 Market.