11.   The drier, warmer weather comes as much-needed relief in areas where development of crops has been slowed by cold temperatures and heavy rain, analysts said.

12.   The victory provided much-needed relief for the Sonics as they remained in the thick of a race for the final Western Conference playoff spot.

13.   They got their first win last week, and it was a much needed relief from the agony of defeat.

14.   This summer, the exploits of McGwire-Sosa have brought much needed relief from the sexploits of Washington.

15.   Aid groups, meanwhile, complained that looting by the Taliban and other armed bands was hampering desperately needed relief operations for Afghan civilians.

16.   Any rain may give much needed relief to recent dry conditions across our islands.

17.   But liberalizing the law would bring much-needed relief to people who have to rush from work to stores before they close.

18.   Forecasters were predicting that the first few days of August would offer some much-needed relief to the Big Apple.

19.   He said urgently needed relief goods, including food and sanitation equipment, would be flown to the area quickly.

20.   In Islamabad, Pakistan, aid groups, meanwhile, complained that looting by the Taliban and other armed bands was hampering desperately needed relief operations for Afghan civilians.