Briefs: Animal shelters support bill

A state lawmaker's push to outlaw gas chambers to euthanize animals across the state has the backing of about a dozen Illinois animal-rescue shelters that consider the method cruel. The measure sponsored by state Rep. John Fritchey, a Chicago Democrat, would bar the use of carbon monoxide and tighten restrictions on who is allowed to do the killing. Chicago Bulldog Rescue Inc., the bill's lead supporter, says Maryland, New Jersey and New Mexico already ban gas chambers. Illinois and Missouri allow that euthanasia method but have stipulations on the type of gas and chamber used. The proposed Illinois ban on gas chambers would apply to commercial breeders and shelters.

Businessmen convicted

Three business owners, including a central Illinois man, have been convicted in Florida in a workers' compensation scheme. Authorities say all three face life in prison and fines totaling $17 million. They've been identified as 54-year-old Donald Touchet of El Cajon, Calif.; 59-year-old Robert Standridge of Tempe, Ariz., and 60-year-old Robert Jennings of Danville, Ill. Calls to their attorneys were not immediately returned. The three were accused of using sham companies to defraud business owners into paying premiums for nonexistent workers' compensation insurance. They were convicted Thursday of mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. Sentencing is scheduled for May 23.

Official denies violation

The chairman of Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid committee is denying he violated rules when he met with an International Olympic Committee member during a recent trip to the Middle East. Japan's Kyodo news agency is reporting Chicago 2016 Chairman Patrick Ryan met with IOC member Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah during a visit to Kuwait. Ryan traveled to Qatar with Northwestern University President Henry Bienen to discuss plans for the Northwestern branch campus on the outskirts of the Qatari capital, Doha. Ryan and Bienen also went to Kuwait, where they met Al-Sabah, a former OPEC chairman. Chicago 2016 spokesman Patrick Sandusky says the meeting's purpose was to promote the new Northwestern campus in Doha, which also is a 2016 bid city. Ryan is chairman of the Northwestern board of trustees.

Partygoers win lawsuit

A federal jury has returned a $2.58 million verdict against the town of Cicero, five police officers and a jail employee for their roles in a 2000 melee in which partygoers claimed officers pepper-sprayed them. The jury ruled in favor Thursday of 78 plaintiffs who attended a September 2000 baptismal party for the daughter of Alejandro and Maria Duran at their home. Attorneys for the police officers and the jailer said they were pleased with the verdict because the jury found no fault in the conduct of police. The verdict was far less than the $20 million the plaintiffs had sought. Attorney Manuel Sanchez said Alejandro Duran, at least one of his brothers and others at the party provoked and prolonged the fracas, during which plaintiffs alleged they were pepper-sprayed by police.

Agent charged with theft

Authorities say a federal security agent has been charged with stealing gift cards from a suitcase while working at O'Hare International Airport. Transportation Security Administration employee Keith McIntosh was ordered held in lieu of $30,000 bail by a Cook County judge. McIntosh is accused of removing $500 worth of Target and Best Buy gift cards from a bag while screening luggage. Assistant State's Attorney Erin Antonietti says McIntosh spent some of the gift cards himself and gave others to friends. Authorities say McIntosh faces charges of theft and official misconduct.