National news capsules

MDA Telethon takes in nearly $60.5M

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Despite the tough economy, officials with the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon say contributions and pledges from this year's Labor Day event totaled nearly $60.5 million.

Officials say the funds will allow the Muscular Dystrophy Association to continue funding worldwide research to find treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy and related diseases.

Lewis, the Tucson-based MDA's national chairman, thanked the American people for their generosity Monday.

He says that even though the total was down from last year's record $65 million, it was an amazing accomplishment considering the state of the nation's economy.

The 44th annual telethon originated for the fourth consecutive year from the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas.

Hiker falls after her boyfriend proposes

POTOMAC, Md. (AP) — It was a lucky day for one hiker near Washington — and not just because her boyfriend popped the question.

Rescue officials say that soon after the woman accepted the marriage proposal during an outing along the rugged Billy Goat Trail, she fell about 10 feet down a rock face and had to be rescued by helicopter. She briefly lost consciousness, but her injuries were not life-threatening.

The spectacular Great Falls of the Potomac River are a popular destination in the suburbs of Washington. The Billy Goat Trail, on the Maryland side, is well known by hikers, but it is rocky and rough.

Assistant Chief Scott Graham of the Montgomery County fire department joked to The Washington Post that it must have been "a heck of a proposal."

Swine-flu outbreak at WSU tapering off

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — A health official at Washington State University says the school's swine flu outbreak may be tapering off.

Dr. Dennis Garcia said Monday that 40 to 50 students a day have contacted the health service at the campus in Pullman this weekend to report flu symptoms. That's down from nearly 150 a day last week.

Garcia notes many students have gone home for the Labor Day weekend, but there are still signs the outbreak may have peaked.

About 2,200 students have contacted the health service so far, and Garcia says 1,000 more also may have gotten sick. None of the students required hospitalization.