
The 'lucky country' is facing a crucial test. The result will affect us all
CNN
Saturday's Australian election is a pivotal one -- it will either provide a mandate for more of the same, or set the country on a different path.
The first time, in 2007, he was trapped in a pool with a towel over his head as wildfires ripped through Australia's Hunter Valley, a wine-growing region about three hours' drive north of Sydney.
"The roar is unbelievable. You can feel the oxygen getting taken out of the air," recalled the 57-year-old paramedic, who was on the job treating volunteer firefighters for burns and broken bones at the time.

Oklahoma’s governor picks energy executive Alan Armstrong to fill US Senate seat through end of year
Oklahoma’s governor on Tuesday appointed energy executive Alan Armstrong to serve in the US Senate through the end of the year and finish the term of Republican Markwayne Mullin, the new homeland security secretary.












