31.   Ashcroft also touched on the subject of hate crimes but did not propose any federal legislation.

32.   Authorities are trying to determine whether the attack was a hate crime, which would carry additional time on top of any murder conviction.

33.   Authorities believe the overall increase is due in part to increased public awareness and reporting, coupled with greater efforts by law enforcement to investigate hate crimes.

34.   Available data suggests that hate crimes are on the rise in the United States, despite a robust economy, a condition experts say would normally discourage hate crimes.

35.   Authorities declined publicly to classify either slaying as a hate crime.

36.   Authorities in mid-Missouri and the Department of Justice, which monitors hate crimes statewide, report no recent violence connected to the Klan.

37.   Before joining the unit, Oliver said, he thought hate crimes involved only minorities, but quickly discovered otherwise.

38.   Beginning this week, as part of a national campaign against hate crimes, various chapters are pinning up posters.

39.   Because of statements made at the time of the stabbing, Bryan County authorities have asked the FBI to investigate the case as a hate crime.

40.   Besides clarifying the definition of a hate crime, the bill would provide aid to small counties prosecuting murders considered to be hate crimes.