SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Gov. Rod Blagojevich was impeached yesterday by Illinois lawmakers furious that he turned state government into a "freak show," setting the stage for an unprecedented trial in the state Senate that could get him thrown out of office.

The 114-1 vote in the Illinois House came a month after Blagojevich's arrest on charges that included trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat. The debate took less than 90 minutes, and not a single legislator rose in defense of the governor.

Later, a defiant Blagojevich insisted again he committed no crime and said: "I'm going to fight every step of the way." He portrayed himself as a victim of political payback for his efforts to extend relief to the ordinary people of Illinois.

HEALTH AGENCY DIRECTOR RESIGNS

ATLANTA — The head of the federal government's public health agency is out, according to an e-mail sent last night to federal employees.

After almost 6 1/2 years on the job, Dr. Julie Gerberding has resigned as director of the Atlanta-based U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and will be replaced as of Jan. 20 by a deputy who will serve as interim director.

The CDC investigates disease outbreaks, researches health problems and promotes illness prevention efforts.

SHOOTING AT HIGH SCHOOL INJURES 5

CHICAGO — Authorities say five people have been sent to hospitals after a reported shooting at a high school on the city's South Side.

Chicago Fire Department spokeswoman Eve Rodriguez said three people were in serious condition and two were in critical condition. She said the five male victims had been inside Paul Laurence Dunbar Vocational Career Academy but declined further comment.

BAN SOUGHT ON DIGITAL BILLBOARDS

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Electronic billboards have been sprouting up all over California, flashing digital ads and, some say, creating a dangerous distraction for drivers.

Alarmed at the proliferation of the signs, a group of state lawmakers from Los Angeles yesterday proposed a two-year moratorium on electronic billboards in the state.

The proposal comes a month after Los Angeles adopted a three-month ban on all billboards and follows a decision by the Federal Highway Administration to launch a multimillion-dollar study to determine whether the changing electronic messages pose a road hazard.