After two years of stimulus, federal government spending has now joined state and local budgets as a drag on growth.

ECONOMIST: A surge of good omens, apart from jobs

Leighton Andrews AM stressed that local authorities that "drag their feet" will loose school effectiveness funding as he outlined his plans for supporting education services in Wales.

BBC: Debate on front line services review

Worse, the federal government is increasingly a drag on state and local budgets, as Washington cuts its own spending.

ECONOMIST: The public sector is still hobbling the economy

Warriors now go to Kingsholm for Saturday's local derby with Gloucester looking to drag the Cherry and Whites into the relegation battle.

BBC: Warriors set for basement battle

But the local women with whom they get involved drag them with surprising swiftness into the dangerous currents of social conflict.

NEWYORKER: Barcelona

"Not only do they signal a local economy in decline, they also become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and drag down the whole feel of an area, " she said.

BBC: Councils in 'ghost town' warning