California financier Dennis Tito paid at least three law firms, a public relations company and a space tourism enterprise to help him win his months-long battle to become the first paying tourist in space. Maryland prosecutor to investigate charges that Frederick, Md. officials withheld documents showing that prominent city figures were clients of a prostitution service shut down by police. Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., urges White House to reverse decision to cut out the American Bar Association from the early vetting process for some judicial nominees. Lawyers for New Jersey newspapers and the Attorney General's Office reach agreement on the wording of a bill that would greatly expand the public's right to inspect government files. Florida legislative leaders approve a sweeping elections overhaul bill that insists on uniform, modern methods of casting ballots statewide.
Hawaii legislators kill campaign reform bills.
How big donors fared during Bush's first 100 days. Read The Oregonian's winner for public service, on Immigration and Naturalization Service . Copyright 2001, The Center for Public Integrity .