[warm] This is NewsCard Daily for Tuesday, January 27, 2026 ... the biggest stories from Australia and around the world in just minutes.

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[serious] We begin in Australia where a tense Australia Day has unfolded across the nation. In Perth, police evacuated an Invasion Day rally at Forrest Place after discovering an improvised explosive device. A 31-year-old man has been arrested and his home is being searched. Authorities are treating the incident as a serious security threat.

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[urgent] In Sydney, rival protest groups came dangerously close to clashing as thousands marched through the city. Invasion Day supporters and anti-immigration demonstrators gathered simultaneously, with 1,500 police officers deployed to maintain order. Despite high tensions and thousands of protesters, police managed just one arrest, preventing what could have turned violent.

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[serious] Canberra hosted the nation's citizenship ceremonies today, where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed over 20,000 new Australians from more than 150 countries. The Prime Minister called for unity, telling the newest citizens that Australia's strength lies in respect for our common humanity. Meanwhile, thousands attended competing rallies across Melbourne and Sydney, with Invasion Day protesters highlighting ongoing Indigenous suffering and systemic injustices.

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[warm] In recognition, Catherine Bennell-Pegg, an astronomer and space scientist from Adelaide, has been named Australian of the Year for 2026. Olympic champion Cathy Freeman received a Companion of the Order of Australia. Other award recipients included dementia researcher Harry Brodaty and endurance runner Ned Brockmann, celebrated for their contributions to the nation.

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[hopeful] That's NewsCard Daily. For more top stories and quick summaries that keep you informed in minutes, download NewsCard ... available in the App Store.