Back in the news with his 957-page memoir My Life, Bill Clinton aired his "demons," fessed up about marriage counseling and blasted old nemesis Ken Starr. But life hung in the balance Sept. 6 when the ex-President, 58, was sidelined by quadruple-bypass surgery. The public outpouring of post-op support—including throngs of well-wishers at Democratic rallies in Philadelphia and Florida—was "very good for my rehabilitation." quipped a slimmed-down Clinton. An extra shot in the arm: the gala opening of his presidential library in Little Rock.

PERFECT LANDING
When daughter Laurie needed a bone-marrow transplant, hero pilot Ai Haynes appealed to those he saved aboard 1989's United Flight 232. The 184 survivors helped raise more than $500,000 for her successful April operation.

LITTLE GIRL LOST
University of Wisconsin-Madison sophomore Audrey Seller allegedly faked her own abduction in March to get a boyfriend's attention. In July she pleaded guilty to police obstruction and was sentenced to community service and probation.

BUSH'S BRAIN
Karl Rove was seen as the mastermind behind the President's reelection. Even critics feel the love. "We learn from each other even when we disagree on policy," says Donna Brazile, Al Gore's 2000 campaign chief.