By LAURAN NEERGAARD / AP Medical Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly half of American adults face higher risks of health problems because of trouble understanding medical terms and directions, experts said Thursday in a report that calls for a national effort to improve health literacy. Comprehending medicine’s arcane jargon is difficult for even the most…

KNOXVILLE (AP) — A panel investigating Knox County Sheriff Tim Hutchison’s real estate deals concluded that there is no conflict of interest between him and wrecker company executive Randy Hinton. However, the panel did recommend expanding disclosure rules and streamlining ethical standards to keep county employees and office holders above the appearance of wrongdoing. “The…

GATLINBURG (AP) — The unexplained deaths of four elk in different areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have wildlife biologists awaiting test results, according to park officials. The park has a herd of about 60 elk from a reintroduction project started in 2001. Remains of all four animals found in recent weeks have…

NASHVILLE (AP) — Rising fuel prices are creating waves of frustration among boat owners. But don’t blame marina operators, who are just passing along higher prices. “People do feel ripped off,” said Jerry Nessenson, president of ValvTect, a Chicago-based maker of fuel additives for boats and trucks. “It’s a worldwide situation right now, causing fuel…

HARTSVILLE (AP) — The nude statues at the garden center here proved a bit immodest for some in this small town. But it turns out nude yard art dressed up in little velvet sarongs is something really worth a look. The statues are 500 pounds of bare breasts, bottoms and shape, done in the classical…

By MATT GOURAS / Associated Press Writer NASHVILLE (AP) — A gun convention this weekend will offer all the expected classes — self-defense, target shooting, hunting and gun safety. But this meeting will also have courses on fancy hat making, manicure tips and a fashion show. Organizers say the four-day Shooting for Women conference is…

KNOXVILLE (AP) — Guard John Winchester has decided to transfer from Tennessee to be closer to his family in Connecticut, coach Buzz Peterson said. Winchester, who would have been a junior this fall, was the second Tennessee player to announce plans to transfer after the season. Center Boomer Herndon, of Nashville, also is leaving. Winchester…

KNOXVILLE — Middle Tennessee’s 4 X 200 women’s relay team established a new school record, and track sensation Rosemary Okafor continued to dominant tough fields in the 2004 Sea Ray Relays in Knoville Friday. The 4 X 200 relay team of Jessica Anderson, Kerry Barrow, Contrena Brown and Kishara George set a new school record…

MT Media Relations MIAMI, Fla. — Brett Carroll and Shane Kemp both hit three-run homers and Chris Mobley tossed six-plus innings to lead Middle Tennessee to an 8-4 victory over Florida International in Sun Belt Conference action here Friday night at University Park. Derek Phillips tied his career high with three hits in the contest…

By TERESA M. WALKER / AP Sports Writer GLADEVILLE (AP) — Martin Truex shattered the Nashville Superspeedway track record with a lap of 166.515 mph Friday, then earned a trip to the back of the 43-car field by crashing in practice. Truex crunched the right front corner of his Chevrolet in a crash with Jeff…