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NEWS ROUNDUP: Roanoke Shooter Requested Victims’ Personnel Records…AND MORE

According to reports, Vester Lee Flanagan, the man suspected of murdering two reporters in Roanoke, Virginia yesterday morning, allegedly sought out the personnel records of the two people he killed (as well as other employees at the television station), when he was trying to sue the network. In March 2014, Flanagan filed a $25,000 lawsuit against WDBJ for unpaid overtime, sexual harassment, racial discrimination, and wrongful termination. The case was eventually dismissed. Court documents show that after Flanagan received a letter in February 2013 saying he was fired, he called the station and said, “You better call police because I’m going to make a big stink.” Read more.

North Dakota Police Allowed to Add Weapons to Drones

Police agencies in North Dakota are now allowed to fly drones that have Tasers, tear gas, bean-bag cannons, and other weapons that are deemed “less-lethal.” The law was introduced by Rep. Rick Becker, and initially banned cops from attaching weapons to drones, but after lobbying by law enforcement officials, the revised bill now allows them to do so. Many people are worried that this new bill will cause police officers to abuse their authority. Read more.

MSNBC Moves Al Sharpton to Sunday Mornings

After speculation about whether Al Sharpton’s show on MSNBC would be canceled or not, the network has decided they will move it to another slot. PoliticsNation will be moved to Sundays at 8 a.m. “I want to congratulate Al and his team. For four years they have done a terrific job bringing his voice and a big spotlight to issues of justice, civil rights and equality,” said network president Phil Griffin in a statement. “And as many of you know, The Rev never missed a show. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do with a Sunday morning newsmaker program.” MSNBC is reportedly looking to feature more shows that focus on breaking news, rather than opinion. Read more.

VIDEO SOURCE: NDN