Closing the Circle

One thing LA Observed likes to do, on the web and on KCRW, is to circle back on news stories that deserve an update. The news media often lets that slip. I try to close the loops when I can, feeling that listeners and readers as sophisticated news consumers appreciate that.

LA Observed commentary on KCRW, Lisa Napoli and I also talk about the feds' decision to announce that no charges would be filed against bicycle racing champion Lance Armstrong out of a Los Angeles grand jury and investigation. It's an unusual step for prosecutors to announce that they are NOT filing charges, but in this case was the right thing to do. Armstrong has been under a cloud since the existence of the investigation became public, although he has consistently said he broke no laws regarding the use of performance enhancing drugs.

60 Minutes, which went on the air last year with an-ex teammate saying he used PEDs with Armstrong. CBS billed the report as changing the history of sport. Well, for now Armstrong comes out looking like the victim of a witch hunt by a zealous bureaucrat and an ex-friend looking to soften his own charges..