RALEIGH -- North Carolina continues to collect less tax money than lawmakers expected when they crafted this year's budget.
But agencies and services don't yet face cuts because of money set aside by Gov. Bev Perdue.
The legislature's top staff economist said this week the state has taken in $110million less than expected over the first five months of the fiscal year, through Nov. 30. That's 1.5 percent below expectations - the same proportion as in October.
Perdue has withheld as much as 5 percent of funds in some agencies to handle shortfalls.
Economist Barry Boardman wrote that the state's coffers are still feeling the prolonged recession, as unemployment stays high and people spend less.
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U.S. stock futures are following overseas markets lower Friday after Greece's crucial bailout was put on hold by the rest of the eurozone, a day after it seemed that the country had pacified its creditors. 
The Obama administration clearly won't take no for an answer when it comes to recruiting state Banking Commissioner Joseph Smith Jr. to tackle the mortgage mess that has been hampering the nation's economic recovery. 
The number of people seeking unemployment aid neared a four-year low last week, a positive sign that strong hiring could continue in the coming months. 
U.S. stock futures are falling after Greek leaders failed to accept the entire batch of new austerity measures demanded by creditors, leaving its bailout in limbo. Keep up with the latest business stories with our free e-mail newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox!
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