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Good morning and welcome to Kid News.
I'm Kim. Today is Friday, January 24th, 2025, and we begin with something stinky stealing the spotlight in Sydney.
All eyes are on Australia's Royal Botanical Garden, where the corpse flower, nicknamed Putritia, is set to bloom for the first time in 15 years.
And when it does, it will release a smell that's been compared to wet socks, hot cat food, and rotting garbage.
The scent is strong, but fleeting.
Corpse flower blooms and their unmistakable stench only last for 24 hours.
Surprisingly, there's a big fan base for the foul unfurlings of the plant, formerly known as Morphophallus titanum.
Thousands are lining up to get a whiff of putritia, just like they did recently for other corpse flowers housed at gardens in Melbourne, London and the U .S.
Many more follow the acrid action on live streams.
The rare plant is native to Indonesia and when in bloom can grow to eight feet tall and four feet wide.
The skies above Los Angeles County are glowing red again.
Firefighters are rushing to contain the Hughes Fire, a massive blaze to the north that has forced over 50 ,000 people to either evacuate or be ready to leave their homes.
Fueled by strong winds and bone -dry vegetation, the fire has burned over 10 ,000 acres since erupting on Wednesday.
Crews on the ground have been working around the clock, aided by helicopters dumping water on the flames.
Mother Nature is expected to lend a helping hand this weekend, with rain in the forecast.
Now to a small glimmer of hope from the fire -ravaged region.
Rocky the tortoise has shown she's got a shell and a strategy.
After a fire destroyed her family's Altadena home, the 100 -pound pet tortoise was found safe by local law enforcement in a hole she'd burrowed in the backyard.
An emotional reunion captured on video and shared to Instagram shows Rocky's family cheering and embracing the sheriff's deputies who found her.
Online commenters are marveling at the leatherback's instincts, calling her a true survivor.
While one family member wrote on Facebook, Thank you, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
These amazing officers gave my family some much needed joy after the loss and heartbreak of the last few days.
We appreciate you. Makayla Schifrin is back on the slopes and ready to race.
After being sidelined by an injury in November, the 29 -year -old two -time Olympic gold medalist told the Today Show that she will compete at the Alpine Ski World Cup next week in Courchevel, France.
Schifrin, the winningest skier in World Cup history with 99 victories, has been recovering following a crash in Vermont that left her with a puncture wound to her abdomen.
Believed to be from the tip of one of her ski poles, Michaela is hoping to be the first Alpine skier to reach 100 World Cup victories.
It could be a magical night for Wicked at this year's Oscars.
The blockbuster musical is up for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and acting nominations for both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo for their bewitching portrayals as Glinda and Elphaba.
Grande celebrated her nomination on social media with a flashback childhood photo and an emotional post saying she can't stop crying, to no one's surprise.
Erivo, meantime, expressed deep gratitude for the unbelievable recognition.
The Academy Awards will be hosted this year by a first -timer, comedian Conan O 'Brien, and will air live on Sunday, March 2nd.
Still to come, a dance dream come true for young stars in the making.
But first, today's Kid News Quiz.
What is the nickname of the corpse flower about to bloom in Sydney, Australia.
Potricia. What did Rocky the tortoise do to stay safe during the fire?
She dug a hole in the backyard and hid inside.
Michaela Schifrin is trying to be the first alpine skier to reach what milestone?
100 World Cup victories.
Who is hosting this year's Academy Awards ceremony?
Comedian Conan O 'Brien.
And in our Kid News kicker, over 400 dancers ages 9 to 19 recently took center stage in Worcester, Massachusetts, for the Youth America Grand Prix auditions.
From serious solos to space -inspired costumes, the competition was as much about storytelling as technical skill.
For 15 -year -old Carly Wilkinson, who took first place in the Contemporary Dance category with her Dune -themed performance, it's a chance to land a scholarship to top programs worldwide.
The four -day event, known as a scouting ground for future stars, is one of 32 U .S.
auditions leading up to the finals in Tampa this April.
Over its 25 -year history, the Grand Prix has given out scholarships totaling $5 million, creating opportunities for dancers to train with the best schools and companies across the globe.
Before we go, shout -outs for our teachers.
Ms. Seberg and her marvelous Mountaineers at Lafayette Regional School in Franconia, New Hampshire.
Mrs. Teeters and her Cougars at Compass Academy in Odessa, Texas, Mrs.
Bach and her Pembroke Titans at Hobomock School in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Mrs.
V. and her Sharks at Shimona Creek School in Downington, Pennsylvania.
Thanks for listening.
We hope you have a wonderful weekend, and we'll see you back here for more kid news Monday morning.
Thank you.
