WASHINGTON -- State welfare rolls, which declined steadily for more than a decade after a 1996 overhaul of the nation's cash assistance program, are beginning to rise, due in part to the struggling economy.

The government's latest report on the economy suggested that consumer spending was not likely to revive in the near future. The only bright spot for the U.S. economy was exports.

Worker productivity increased at a faster pace in the first three months of this year than previously estimated, wage pressures moderated and an important measure of business activity showed the service sector skirted recession in May.

International Labor Day was protest day for migrant workers all over the world who are continuously struggling and fighting for their rights, just wages, benefits and humane treatment from employers and capitalists. BY HANNAH FAITH DORMIDO MIGRANT WATCH

After missing out on summer vacations because of high fuel prices and a weakening economy, many Americans will not be going anywhere over the Labor Day weekend either.