From the L.A. Daily News

California

Body found in Burbank is that of missing FBI agent Stephen Ivens

The body of FBI Agent Stephen Ivens, who had been missing for more than two months, was discovered Monday night in Burbank.

Two hikers walking in the foothills above the city smelled an odor about 8 p.m., then found badly decomposed human remains in an area of heavy brush, Burbank police Sgt. Darin Ryburn said.

A gun later confirmed to be Ivens' service weapon was found with the body, which was behind a Catholic school about a mile and a half from Ivens' home. Ryburn said he did not know whether the gun had been fired.

Investigators secured the scene overnight, and on Tuesday morning the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office and the FBI went to the scene. Ivens' family was notified, Ryburn said, and the body was removed by midday.

The Coroner's Office had no information late Tuesday on a cause of death.

Asked about the state of the body, Ryburn said, "How long has it been since he's been missing? Let's just leave it at that."

Ivens had been missing since early May. He left home with his FBI-issued weapon.

His family said the agent, who would have turned 36 last month, had been depressed and on the verge of a breakdown over events at work unrelated to his criminal caseload. His wife, Thea, had said he couldn't sleep and suffered anxiety attacks each morning before work.

The family sought media attention and set up a website, letsbringstevehome.com, on which Thea Ivens wrote frequently.

"She never gave up," said Kissette Kelly, a close friend of the family. "She was taking care of a 2-year-old, working full time - but at the same time she also needed to take the lead on searching for Steve and bringing him back home."

Thea Ivens' most recent post on the website, titled "80 Days" and written Sunday, recalled her husband's love of New England sports teams and how he used Skype so his mother, on the East Coast, could see her young grandson in California.

"It's just strange doing a video chat with my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law without Steve around," she wrote. "One of my (hopes) is that if for some reason Steve couldn't get back to California, somehow he would reach out to his mom and sister, back in his hometown in Massachusetts."

The FBI deferred to the Burbank police and the coroner on details of the investigation.

"It's obviously a sad day for the Ivens family, and our condolences and prayers are with them," FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said.

Ryburn said the body was found about three-quarters of a mile from where police dogs originally got a scent while searching for Ivens. The body was found on a different hillside in an area that had been searched only from the air.

Kelly said the lack of any clues in recent weeks had given Thea and other loved ones hope that perhaps Ivens "was just out there, alive, and wanting to have time to himself."

"I never imagined this to come to this end," Kelly said Tuesday. "I just never did."

An Air Canada passenger found what appears to be a sewing needle inside a pre-prepared sandwich while on a flight Monday from Victoria, British Columbia, to Toronto, officials said.

A full investigation is now underway, according to the airline. Air Canada has contacted the caterers who prepare the meals, but has refused to release the name of the company.

The airline is cooperating with police investigating the matter, Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. Safety is a top priority, he said, adding that Air Canada is working with the food company to ensure that heightened security measures are put in place.

The incident comes less than two weeks after two passengers suffered minor injuries from needles found in the meat of sandwiches served aboard four Delta Air Lines flights from Amsterdam to the United States.

Dutch police officer Robert van Kapel told The Associated Press that Dutch investigators have been interrogating witnesses who had access to the Delta sandwiches. Kapel said it is too early to rule out a copycat or link, which he said is being investigated.

National Night Out Returns to Livingston

The jam packed event occurs on August 7.

by Scott Egelberg

August 7 is National Night Out and the Livingston Community Policing Unit is planning a big celebration for the town's residents.

National Night out is an annual event that is meant for community police to raise awareness about crime. It has been held annually since 1984.

Livingston's National Night Out celebration will be held at the Memorial Oval in front of Livingston High School. The festivities start at 5:30 and run all night long.

The Community Policing Unit spilled all the exclusive details of the event with Patch:

Local, county and federal agencies will converge to bring special activities for the children. Inflatables will be set up, trackless trains will be driving around and a movie will be shown later in the night. The Livingston Fire Department will also be setting up a "hose shower," so kids should bring their bathing suits.

The Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter will be setting up an adoption area to show off some available dogs.

There will also be carnival games set up, a special hula hoop demonstration by the YMCA, a mobile video game center, a DJ playing tunes and an appearance by McGruff the Crime Dog.

The food will be mostly free with hot dogs, pizza and drinks supplied to the attendees. Also there will be an ice cream truck and kettle corn sold at the event.

Some local bands will be playing, including Castles and All Real Numbers.

There will be another "Stuff the Bus" at the event. Residents can bring canned food for a food drive for the homeless.

The LPD is also going to announce the winner of a special poster contest to see who can best capture this year's theme; “What does a Safe Neighborhood Look Like to You?”

There will also be a silent auction that will support Team Anthony and Olliepalooza.

Bay City Police asking residents to participate in National Night Out

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