===== MDJ Script/ Top Stories for November 7th
Publish Date: November 7th
Commercial:
From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Friday, November 7th and Happy Birthday to Jim Kaat
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on milk
All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!
BREAK: Ingles Markets 6
STORY 1: Bakery, Italian restaurant coming to Avenue East Cobb
Two new spots are about to shake things up at Avenue East Cobb this month, and foodies, you’re gonna want to mark your calendars.
First up, Giulia—a cozy Italian bakery and patisserie—opened today! Think flaky croissants, dreamy pastries, and coffee that’ll make you linger. After finding success at The Forum in Peachtree Corners, owners Ben and Seth Gjuka are bringing their magic to a 900-square-foot space here, right next to their upcoming restaurant, Luga.
Speaking of Luga, it’s set to debut Nov. 24 in the old Drift Fish House spot. Expect a sleek 28-seat bar, an open kitchen, and a menu packed with antipasti, Roma-style pizzas, and fresh, house-made pastas.
Find it all at 4475 Roswell Road.
STORY 2: Auditions for Cobb Idol Jr. are due by Dec. 1
Got a voice that can wow a crowd? The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta is calling all young singers, ages 11-19, to audition for Cobb Idol Jr. 2026: Heartbreak & Heartache.
This live competition, a spinoff of the beloved Cobb Idol, gives talented teens a chance to shine on stage. The big event happens Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m., but auditions are due by Dec. 1.
Here’s the deal: submit a video of yourself singing a love or heartbreak-themed song (1.5–3 minutes) to education@strandmarietta.org. Keep it family-friendly, show off your range, and make sure your voice is the star.
Winners snag cash, scholarships, and even a spot in Cobb Idol 2026. Questions? Email Savannah Patton at education@strandmarietta.org.
STORY 3: Powder Springs man to run in marathon to raise money for cancer research
The 2026 Chicago Marathon is still months away, but for Cole McNall, the journey has already begun. The 25-year-old from Powder Springs isn’t just training for his first marathon—he’s running for something much bigger: his mom.
Last December, McNall’s mother, Danae Huffman, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable blood cancer. “She wasn’t herself—back pain, fatigue, just... off,” McNall recalls. The diagnosis hit hard. Treatments were grueling—chemo, a stem cell transplant—but today, she’s in remission.
Now, McNall is running as part of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation team, aiming to raise $3,000 for research. “This isn’t just a race,” he says. “It’s for her.”
We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.
We’ll be right back.
Break: Ingles Markets 6
STORY 4: Veterans Day celebrations in Cobb County
Veterans Day is almost here, and Cobb County is pulling out all the stops to honor those who’ve served. From parades to luncheons, there’s something for everyone leading up to Nov. 11.
Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 8 will feature marching bands, floats, and a ceremony in Glover Park. And on Nov. 11, ceremonies in Acworth, Austell, Powder Springs, and Smyrna will pay tribute with speakers, color guards, and heartfelt moments.
There are countless ways to show gratitude next week.
STORY 5: Delays likely for distribution of government food benefits to the hungry
For one in eight Georgians, the wait for food assistance just got longer—and more uncertain. SNAP benefits, which usually roll out between the 5th and 23rd of each month, are delayed, leaving families in limbo.
At Goodr Community Market in Atlanta, owner Jasmine Crowe-Houston has already heard from customers. “People are coming in saying, ‘I always get my benefits on the 5th—nothing today.’”
The delay stems from the government shutdown, now in its 36th day. USDA guidance issued Tuesday slashed funding to half the usual amount, forcing states to scramble to recalibrate systems.
Food banks like Second Harvest of South Georgia are bracing for impact, but as Eliza McCall put it, “SNAP feeds nine people for every one we serve. We can’t fill that gap.”
Meanwhile, confusion reigns. A Trump social media post suggested benefits might stop entirely, though the White House later clarified payments are coming—just slowly. For 1.4 million Georgians, that’s cold comfort. Hunger doesn’t wait.
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on milk
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break: Ingles Markets 6
Signoff-
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com
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