11.   But fears for their welfare arose in June when state and federal game officials declared them to be an unprotected, exotic species, outraging animal-rights advocates.

12.   But U.S. officials declared the matter closed.

13.   By noon, confident city officials had declared victory over the storm, praising their storm preparations lavishly.

14.   City officials there declared a state of emergency, and for the first time in more than four years, postal service was canceled in Syracuse.

15.   City officials this week declared the mosquitoes a health hazard based on their sheer numbers and after complaints from hospitals at the sprawling Texas Medical Center.

16.   County officials declared a state of emergency Thursday morning as they started to assess the damage and begin the cleanup.

17.   Dallas County health officials declared a state of emergency more than a week ago.

18.   Despite lingering questions about what caused one of their helicopters to drop from the sky, Los Angeles Fire Department officials declared their remaining copters safe to fly.

19.   Environmental officials declared an ozone emergency here Tuesday, taking two of every five cars off city highways, closing factories and restricting children to classroom activities only.

20.   FBI officials declared the crash site a crime scene.