Powder found in envelope at L.A. Times

A hazardous materials crew from the Los Angeles Police Department was dispatched to the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday evening after a white powdery substance was discovered in a letter mailed to the newspaper.

By 10 p.m., about 2 1/2 hours after authorities were contacted, police determined that the powder was not hazardous. A Times security official said it was believed to be arabinic acid, which is used as an additive in chewing gum.

An estimated 150 to 200 employees were temporarily required to stay in the building, including those in the third-floor newsroom where the letter had been opened.

LAPD Sgt. Mark Hurley said the letter, addressed simply to the "editor" of the newspaper, had "general rambling" comments but no specific threat. He said authorities would investigate the incident further, and would contact the person identified in the letter as the sender.