Regional Briefs – January 7, 2016

Man Arrested for Pointing Laser at Media Helicopter

NEWARK – A man arrested Thursday for aiming a laser pointer at a WABC news helicopter may face five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, The Associated Press reported. Stiven Lopez-Bender, 26, shot three times with a green laser at the helicopter which was covering a house fire in Elizabeth Nov. 11.

Family of Man Who Died in Jail Files $20M Federal Lawsuit

EAST MEADOW, N.Y. – The family of an inmate who died of heart failure at a Long Island jail in 2014 brought a $20 million federal lawsuit Wednesday against the county, the jail and a medical provider, Newsday reported. A report ruled that the death of Kevin Brown, 47, could’ve been prevented had he received proper medical care.

Uber Agrees to Enhance User Privacy in NY Settlement

NEW YORK – Uber will be required to better protect New York riders’ personal information under a settlement announced Wednesday, The Associated Press reported. They now must encrypt the geo-location and pay a $20,000 fine.

Peruvians Want New Jersey to Name Street After Homeland

PATERSON, N.J. – Peruvians are pressing the Paterson City Council to rename a two-block area to Peru Boulevard, The Record reported. Peruvians are among the largest groups in Paterson. But Mayor Jose Torres says streets have never before been named for a country.