🌱 Gleaners Food Bank + Hanson Coming To Indy + Broom Guy

Happy Friday, Indianapolis! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in Indianapolis today.

First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 36 Low: 22.

Here are the top three stories today in Indianapolis:

1. As Omicron continues to surge, Indianapolis food banks are desperately searching for healthy volunteers. Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana needs 500 volunteers weekly in order to serve Hoosiers in need. Right now, they are looking for volunteers who could help out as soon as Friday. (WISHTV.com)
2. Brotherly trio Hanson, known for their No. 1 debut single "MMMBop.," will be coming to Indianapolis in August. The show will take place at the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre on Aug. 10. The band's latest album, titled "RED GREEN BLUE," will be released on May 20. (WTHR)
3. A GoFundMe has been created to help Indy's "Broom Guy" after his wife passed away. Jim Richter, otherwise known as "The Broom Guy,” has been a staple of the city for more than 60 years while selling his iconic brooms on the streets. Recently, Richter's wife Kathy passed away, and now he is asking for help to raise $50,000 for funeral and medical expenses. (WISHTV.com)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Indianapolis:

• Virtual Storytime - Playdate With A Book, At Indianapolis Public Library (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Here are some sobering numbers from IU Health: About 11,500 people are hospitalized in Indiana right now and in recent days that number has approached 12,000. Pre-pandemic that was closer to 10,000 patients a day. (Instagram)
• Newfields will be open for free admission this Sunday, Jan. 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for MLK Day: Speaking LOVE. Newfields will close again on Monday, Jan. 17 through 24 for Rest & Refresh and reopen with regular hours on Tuesday, Jan. 25. (Instagram)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander. She works as a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners, and is a graduate of The University of Rhode Island, where she earned a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, hiking, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer.