Handcyclist David Berling, an Air Force veteran, earns surprise trip to World Championships with Team USA

Retired Air Force capt. David Berling, a handcyclist, earns a spot on U.S. national team for road racing World Championships in South Africa. http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2017/August/29/Berling-Rides-Comeback-Trail-All-The-Way-To-South-Africa

Despite some flops, Del Rio believes in defense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Fans are concerned by what they've seen of Raiders defense this summer, but Jack Del Rio has faith the "D" is headed up. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Despite-Performances-Del-Rio-Believes-in-Raiders-Defense-442246233.html

Rookie tight end Kittle earns starting role

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With the trade of veteran Vance McDonald, rookie tight end George Kittle has secured a starting spot. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Rookie-Tight-End-Kittle-Has-Been-Impressive-442250173.html

Conley will be activated this week

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback Gareon Conley, the Raiders' No. 1 draft choice, should be activated this week and be ready to play in the regular season opener. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Gareon-Conley-May-Be-Ready-for-Action-Soon-442130903.html

Mostert making push to make 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: How could the 49ers not keep running back Raheem Mostert after the summer he's had? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Mostert-Making-a-Strong-Bid-to-Make-49ers-Roster-442125343.html

Foster giving 49ers foes something to ponder

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In his third exhibition, vs. the Vikings, 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster looks like a sure-fire star. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Foster-Looks-Like-a-Star-in-the-Making-442009843.html

Penn gets into game, says he'll be ready

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After a long holdout, tackle Donald Penn sees his first game action of the summer and says he'll be good to go for Game 1 of the regular season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/After-Making-Game-Debut-Penn-Says-Hell-be-Ready-442005793.html

Surprise! Niners passing game looks strong

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers woeful passing attack of 2016 may be gone for good if San Francisco's Brian Hoyer-led assault on the Vikings is any indication. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Passing-Game-Looks-Promising-vs-Vikings-441947063.html

Carr and Co. look sharp vs. Cowboys

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr looks ready for the regular season in exhibition vs. Dallas. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-Shows-Hes-Ready-for-Regular-Season-441828683.html

Third game of summer is big for backup QB battle

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: E.J. Manuel and Connor Cook are in a dead heat in the race for the primary backup QB job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Cook-Manuel-Duel-is-Going-Down-to-the-Wire-441739803.html

Jimmie Ward ready to get started

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After getting a slow start because of injuries, new free safety Jimmie Ward says he's ready to roll. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Jimmie-Ward-Has-Been-Cleared-for-Takeoff-441736503.html

Eli's coming for Brooks' linebacker spot

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Third-year linebacker Eli Harold is giving Ahmad Brooks a strong challenge for the starting strong-side linebacker job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Elis-Coming-for-Brooks-Starting-Linebacker-Spot-441520423.html

Ward is activated and ready to go for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive tackle Jihad Ward is finally ready to start year 2 of his NFL career. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Ward-Getting-a-Late-Start-to-Second-Season-441527213.html

What evils lurk in that kitchen sponge? How dirty is that dish rag? What germs are hiding on the counter? Take precautions for cleanliness. It's not hard to do.

The common sponge or dishcloth in your household kitchen could hold enough tiny organisms to bring you to your knees. But don't worry. You can keep yourself safe with some easy steps. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-kitchen-germs-20170821-story.html

One year later, Olympians D'Agostino and Hamblin know their lives have been changed by their acts of sportsmanship

American Abbey D'Agostino and New Zealander Nikki Hamblin stopped to help each other on the track in a 5,000-meter semifinal at the Rio Olympics. Their actions inspired others and gained worldwide attention. A year later, they say their lives are much different now. My story for ESPN.com: http://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/20278032/catch-inspiring-olympians-nikki-hamblin-abbey-dagostino-one-year-collision-rio

Beathard showing 49ers his fine skill set

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Quarterback C.J. Beathard is showing why 49ers used a third-round pick on him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Beathard-Showing-Why-49ers-Took-Him-in-Third-Round-441407433.html

Reports say Penn ready to come back to play

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Put aside those fears, Raiders fans. Donald Penn is ending his holdout. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Reports-Indicate-Penn-Will-End-Holdout-441401953.html

49ers may have found lightning return man in former Beaver

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website:Victor Bolden Jr. may have a hard time making the 49ers roster as a wideout, but his skills as a kick returner may be special. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Former-Oregon-State-Standout-Making-an-Impression--441299813.html

Penn's absence could be painful

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The holdout of Donald Penn could be a blow to Raiders' hopes in 2017. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Penns-Absence-is-Looming-Large-for-Raiders-441303913.html

Top pick Thomas is gaining momentum for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Solomon Thomas is gaining momentum after slow start. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Thomas-Building-Momentum-Toward-49ers-Debut-439705593.html