11.   The departure also occurred amid a business slowdown in the outplacement industry.

12.   The drop occurred amid hope the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates as U.S. economic growth and inflation show little evidence of picking up speed.

13.   The KU-MRI collaboration is occurring amid heightened interest in research and joint research projects in the Kansas City area.

14.   The lates killings occurred amid a wave of violence.

15.   The investigation occurred amid the departure of several top executives, including Daniel Heimowitz, who resigned as head of municipal bond ratings in May.

16.   The Oklahoma City bombing last April and the Brookline abortion clinic murders last year also occurred amid climates of intense animosity and fiery rhetoric.

17.   The new incident involving Brothers to the Rescue aircraft occurred amid a crackdown by the Cuban authorities against dissidents and human rights campaigners.

18.   The shift occurs amid growing public interest in ritual, evidenced by a boom in books on prayer, meditation and other aspects of religious tradition.

19.   The visit occurred amid a raft of critical policy differences between the administration and China, including concerns about global arms trading by the Chinese government.

20.   They say the death occurred amid a spurt of racial harassment by Kinison and his friends.