Subpoenas issued in Illinois hiring probe

The federal investigation into the state’s hiring practices under Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has widened with a subpoena seeking personnel records from the state transportation department, an agency spokesman said Wednesday. Two other subpoenas issued this month seek records from the governor’s of 2 ce and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The subpoenas seek personnel records since March 2002, nine months before Blagojevich took of 2 ce.

Blagojevich has denied wrongdoing. His father- in- law, Chicago Alderman Dick Mell, made accusations against him related to trading jobs for campaign contributions but later retracted them. Deputy Gov. Bradley Tusk said the federal activitywas “ understandable” given Mell’s claims.

Wiring blamed for NYC subway woes

Loose wire dangling from a light bulb caused the 2 re that spewed heavy smoke inside and outside a New York subway station last week, NYC Transit President Lawrence Reuter said. Friday’s blaze at the West Fourth Street station, at the height of the morning rush hour, affected tens of thousands of commuters after all service on the A, B, C, D, E, F and V trains along the Sixth and Eighth avenue corridors was suspended for several hours. The station is a major subway hub along Manhattan’s West Side. The 2 re department said the wires should have been covered. Half a dozen 2 re2 ghters suffered minor injuries.

AP Blagojevich: Has denied wrongdoing.

By Alden Pellett, AP