61.   Labor strikes, slowing economic growth and rising borrowing costs will likely continue to stunt corporate profits this year.

62.   Last week, Bush also retreated from a campaign pledge to curb carbon dioxide emissions, a decision administration officials said resulted from concern over rising energy costs.

63.   Meanwhile, businesses battered by rising energy costs would be able to pass their savings along to customers.

64.   Motorists are already feeling the pinch of rising gas costs, even without any help from rolling blackouts.

65.   Now, among other challenges, they are contending with rising labor costs for nurses, pharmacists and other workers in short supply.

66.   On the inflation front, rising employment levels pose a growing risk of rising wage costs, he said.

67.   Owners, long squeezed by a double-digit vacancy rate, insist on relief from rising labor costs.

68.   Overall, Kyser remained upbeat, projecting slow gains for the area throughout the next two years, but cautioned businesses to be wary of rising labor costs.

69.   President Clinton said Tuesday the government would seek to counter rising heating costs.

70.   Potter takes over as the Postal Service is afflicted with tumbling revenue and rising costs.