In the early days of the oil industry, a New England snowstorm or a washed-out Texas rail bed could lead to a spike in prices or even shortages for entire regions of the country.

FORBES: Ethanol: Getting There Is None Of The Fun

In 1956 Clinton Rossiter, a political scientist, wrote that Americans wanted their president to make the country rich, to take the lead on domestic policy, to respond to floods, tornadoes and rail strikes, to act as the nation's moral spokesman and to lead the free world.

ECONOMIST: Lexington

It is thought thieves who stole lead from church roofs and copper from rail lines have moved on to a new target.

BBC: Golf trophies may be being targeted by silver thieves

During his career, he lead the Metropolitan Police's investigation into the Ladbroke Grove Rail Disaster in 1999 and has also investigated corruption within the police service.

BBC: Shaun Sawyer

During his career, Mr Sawyer lead the Metropolitan Police's investigation into the Ladbroke Grove Rail Disaster in 1999 and has also investigated corruption within the police service.

BBC: Shaun Sawyer confirmed as Devon and Cornwall police chief

Cuts to the environment service could lead to delays in parking and waste applications and will affect road and rail improvement schemes.

BBC: Day care residents playing bingo

Flexibility, greater connectivity and high fuel prices (which lead to higher airfare) have been cited as reasons for the rise in rail.

BBC: Corporate rail travel on the rise

The minister said that the Glasgow to Edinburgh high-speed route had the potential to boost rail capacity across the central belt, significantly reduce journey times and possibly lead to new stations being built.

BBC: Scotland politics

Biden acknowledged gun control has traditionally been viewed as the third rail of American politics, recalling that when President Barack Obama asked him to take the lead, the president told him he didn't have to do it if he didn't want to.

NPR: In Connecticut, Biden Urges Action On Gun Control