  Superconductivity has been realized in films of La$_{1-x}$Sr$_x$NiO$_2$. Here
we report synthesis and characterization of polycrystalline samples of
La$_{1-x}$Sr$_x$NiO$_3$ and La$_{1-x}$Sr$_x$NiO$_2$ ($0\le x\le 0.2$).
Magnetization and resistivity measurements reveal that La$_{1-x}$Sr$_x$NiO$_3$
are paramagnetic metals and La$_{1-x}$Sr$_x$NiO$_2$ exhibit insulating
behavior. Superconductivity is not detected in bulk samples of
La$_{1-x}$Sr$_x$NiO$_2$. The absence of superconductivity in bulk
La$_{1-x}$Sr$_x$NiO$_2$ may be due to the generation of hydroxide during
reduction or a small amount of nickel impurities. The effect of interface in
films of La$_{1-x}$Sr$_x$NiO$_2$ may also play a role for superconductivity.
