Joan Niesen
@joanniesen.bsky.social
freelance writer • adjunct professor of journalism at Georgetown • I used to write about sports • 📍Washington, D.C. • St. Louis native and Midwest apologist • subscribe to my newsletter (please?): joanniesen.substack.com
I'm not sure who follows me here, BUUUT: I'm doing some editing for Extra Points, @mattbrown.bsky.social's newsletter about college sports business and policy and wonky off-field stuff. And I get to solicit freelance pitches! If you've got a story you want to tell, email me! [email protected]
June 24, 2025 at 6:04 PM
I'm not sure who follows me here, BUUUT: I'm doing some editing for Extra Points, @mattbrown.bsky.social's newsletter about college sports business and policy and wonky off-field stuff. And I get to solicit freelance pitches! If you've got a story you want to tell, email me! [email protected]
Reposted by Joan Niesen
New for @washingtonpost.com: I obtained copies of drafts for a college sports bill that could be introduced in the House this week.
The drafted language is very NCAA friendly, ticking through their longstanding asks + then some.
There's a hearing Thursday.
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
The drafted language is very NCAA friendly, ticking through their longstanding asks + then some.
There's a hearing Thursday.
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Congress could soon introduce a very NCAA-friendly bill
The Post obtained copies of draft legislation from two House committees that addresses the priorities the NCAA has spent years lobbying for.
www.washingtonpost.com
June 9, 2025 at 4:30 PM
New for @washingtonpost.com: I obtained copies of drafts for a college sports bill that could be introduced in the House this week.
The drafted language is very NCAA friendly, ticking through their longstanding asks + then some.
There's a hearing Thursday.
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
The drafted language is very NCAA friendly, ticking through their longstanding asks + then some.
There's a hearing Thursday.
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Reposted by Joan Niesen
NEW EXTRA POINTS:
We have a new assignment editor (Hello Joan Niesen!) and a bunch of mid-major realignment gossip to share:
www.extrapointsmb.com/p/get-ready-...
We have a new assignment editor (Hello Joan Niesen!) and a bunch of mid-major realignment gossip to share:
www.extrapointsmb.com/p/get-ready-...
Get ready for even more mid-major conference realignment
After a quiet Spring, June could be full of action. Plus a hiring announcement!
www.extrapointsmb.com
June 6, 2025 at 1:22 PM
NEW EXTRA POINTS:
We have a new assignment editor (Hello Joan Niesen!) and a bunch of mid-major realignment gossip to share:
www.extrapointsmb.com/p/get-ready-...
We have a new assignment editor (Hello Joan Niesen!) and a bunch of mid-major realignment gossip to share:
www.extrapointsmb.com/p/get-ready-...
Fell off the newsletter wagon, getting back on, catching up on all the books I read in April and May (which really wasn't all that many):
everything I read in April and May
An ode to Lorrie Moore, a lot of generational family dramas and an overall slower pace of reading, which I hope has officially ended
joanniesen.substack.com
May 30, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Fell off the newsletter wagon, getting back on, catching up on all the books I read in April and May (which really wasn't all that many):
Reposted by Joan Niesen
I moved to home to St. Louis just in time for last week's tornado. So then I wrote about the tornado.
on the other side of the fence
A tornado hit St. Louis last week. You know that already. What you might not know is what it's been like here for the past week, alternately normal and horrifying.
joanniesen.substack.com
May 24, 2025 at 7:31 PM
I moved to home to St. Louis just in time for last week's tornado. So then I wrote about the tornado.
I moved to home to St. Louis just in time for last week's tornado. So then I wrote about the tornado.
on the other side of the fence
A tornado hit St. Louis last week. You know that already. What you might not know is what it's been like here for the past week, alternately normal and horrifying.
joanniesen.substack.com
May 24, 2025 at 7:31 PM
I moved to home to St. Louis just in time for last week's tornado. So then I wrote about the tornado.
I forgot to post this on Saturday, which was Independent Bookstore Day, but better late than never:
I’ve been working at Wonderland Books part-time for the past few months, and I wrote about the joy and community of bookstores.
I’ve been working at Wonderland Books part-time for the past few months, and I wrote about the joy and community of bookstores.
go to a bookstore today
It's Independent Bookstore Day, and you have no reason not to celebrate.
joanniesen.substack.com
April 29, 2025 at 12:58 PM
I forgot to post this on Saturday, which was Independent Bookstore Day, but better late than never:
I’ve been working at Wonderland Books part-time for the past few months, and I wrote about the joy and community of bookstores.
I’ve been working at Wonderland Books part-time for the past few months, and I wrote about the joy and community of bookstores.
Reposted by Joan Niesen
Jeff Bezos, who spiked a WaPo endorsement of Harris and mugged for pictures at Trump's inauguration, wants everyone to know he does *not* bear any responsibility for this.
PUNCHBOWL: “.. The shopping site will display how much of an item’s cost is derived from tariffs – right next to the product’s total listed price.”
$AMZN
punchbowl.news/archive/4292...
$AMZN
punchbowl.news/archive/4292...
April 29, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Jeff Bezos, who spiked a WaPo endorsement of Harris and mugged for pictures at Trump's inauguration, wants everyone to know he does *not* bear any responsibility for this.
Reposted by Joan Niesen
Van Hollen: "This case is not only about one man, as important as that is. It is about protecting fundamental freedoms and the fundamental principle in the Constitution for due process that protects everyone who resides in America."
April 18, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Van Hollen: "This case is not only about one man, as important as that is. It is about protecting fundamental freedoms and the fundamental principle in the Constitution for due process that protects everyone who resides in America."
Reposted by Joan Niesen
Biases aside, this is so, so good from @joanniesen.bsky.social: portionunderbusch.substack.com/p/and-where-...
And Where We Had Thought To Be Alone
Joan Niesen on finding Adam Wainwright and home thousands of miles away from St. Louis
portionunderbusch.substack.com
April 2, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Biases aside, this is so, so good from @joanniesen.bsky.social: portionunderbusch.substack.com/p/and-where-...
I wrote a little Cardinals essay today, which is to say I wrote about Adam Wainwright, because apparently I never run out of Adam Wainwright nostalgia.
And Where We Had Thought To Be Alone
Joan Niesen on finding Adam Wainwright and home thousands of miles away from St. Louis
portionunderbusch.substack.com
April 1, 2025 at 10:29 PM
I wrote a little Cardinals essay today, which is to say I wrote about Adam Wainwright, because apparently I never run out of Adam Wainwright nostalgia.
Reposted by Joan Niesen
A profile of a reinvented Andrew Luck, Stanford football's first GM, for @washingtonpost.com and @postsports.bsky.social: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
The NFL nearly broke Andrew Luck. At Stanford, he’s reinventing himself.
Luck gave everything to his shortened career as a quarterback. Now he’s back in the fray as the Cardinal’s first general manager.
www.washingtonpost.com
March 2, 2025 at 2:04 PM
A profile of a reinvented Andrew Luck, Stanford football's first GM, for @washingtonpost.com and @postsports.bsky.social: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Reposted by Joan Niesen
I'll have a profile of Andrew Luck for @postsports.bsky.social tomorrow morning (online and in the Sunday print section).
But if you simply can't wait that long to read about Andrew Luck, here's a snippet of the outtakes, free to read at my newsletter: collegesportsmoney.substack.com/p/andrew-luck
But if you simply can't wait that long to read about Andrew Luck, here's a snippet of the outtakes, free to read at my newsletter: collegesportsmoney.substack.com/p/andrew-luck
Working For Andrew Luck
At least one ex NFL QB loves taking feedback from a subordinate.
collegesportsmoney.substack.com
March 1, 2025 at 2:28 PM
I'll have a profile of Andrew Luck for @postsports.bsky.social tomorrow morning (online and in the Sunday print section).
But if you simply can't wait that long to read about Andrew Luck, here's a snippet of the outtakes, free to read at my newsletter: collegesportsmoney.substack.com/p/andrew-luck
But if you simply can't wait that long to read about Andrew Luck, here's a snippet of the outtakes, free to read at my newsletter: collegesportsmoney.substack.com/p/andrew-luck
Today's newsletter: I wrote about visiting the house where "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" was set and listening as a great story was rendered toothless. joanniesen.substack.com/p/midnight-g...
never meet your heroes
... and never visit the scene of a book you love.
joanniesen.substack.com
February 26, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Today's newsletter: I wrote about visiting the house where "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" was set and listening as a great story was rendered toothless. joanniesen.substack.com/p/midnight-g...
Reposted by Joan Niesen
Thanks to those of you who took up our call to share The 51st. Since we asked for your help yesterday, more than 238 new people have subscribed to our free newsletter!
Lets keep growing this: 51st.news/signup
Lets keep growing this: 51st.news/signup
The 51st
Information with representation, by and for D.C. residents. A worker-led, independent nonprofit newsroom.
51st.news
February 12, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Thanks to those of you who took up our call to share The 51st. Since we asked for your help yesterday, more than 238 new people have subscribed to our free newsletter!
Lets keep growing this: 51st.news/signup
Lets keep growing this: 51st.news/signup
Reposted by Joan Niesen
A street artist in DC is putting up these posters all over the city. I’d love to get one.
February 8, 2025 at 2:17 AM
A street artist in DC is putting up these posters all over the city. I’d love to get one.
Newsletter! Recipe! Blueberry muffins with lemon curd!
These are not only delicious — sweet and tart and citrusy — they're also a great way to use up your sourdough discard. And if you don't have a sourdough starter, you can still make these muffins with just a quick substitution.
These are not only delicious — sweet and tart and citrusy — they're also a great way to use up your sourdough discard. And if you don't have a sourdough starter, you can still make these muffins with just a quick substitution.
blueberry muffins with lemon curd
Lemon curd is a baking secret weapon. Make a batch, keep it in your fridge, and it'll take blueberry muffins to a new level.
joanniesen.substack.com
February 8, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Newsletter! Recipe! Blueberry muffins with lemon curd!
These are not only delicious — sweet and tart and citrusy — they're also a great way to use up your sourdough discard. And if you don't have a sourdough starter, you can still make these muffins with just a quick substitution.
These are not only delicious — sweet and tart and citrusy — they're also a great way to use up your sourdough discard. And if you don't have a sourdough starter, you can still make these muffins with just a quick substitution.
Reposted by Joan Niesen
My dad has sent me an email every morning since I left for college. That’s over 6,000 notes, arriving like clockwork, for more than 18 years. I wrote about those emails — and about my dad — on his 70th birthday.
18 years, 4 months and 24 days worth of emails
Let me tell you a story about my dad on his 70th birthday.
joanniesen.substack.com
January 26, 2025 at 2:23 PM
My dad has sent me an email every morning since I left for college. That’s over 6,000 notes, arriving like clockwork, for more than 18 years. I wrote about those emails — and about my dad — on his 70th birthday.
Reposted by Joan Niesen
"The end of the dream sounded a lot like squeaky wheels on carpet."
The stone-cold goods from @sam4tr.bsky.social: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
The stone-cold goods from @sam4tr.bsky.social: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
The scene inside the Commanders’ locker room the day their dream died
After so many lively postgame celebrations during its renaissance season, Washington on Sunday had tears, appreciation and a bit of hope.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 27, 2025 at 2:15 PM
"The end of the dream sounded a lot like squeaky wheels on carpet."
The stone-cold goods from @sam4tr.bsky.social: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
The stone-cold goods from @sam4tr.bsky.social: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Zeno’s paradox but make it football!!!!
January 26, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Zeno’s paradox but make it football!!!!
My dad has sent me an email every morning since I left for college. That’s over 6,000 notes, arriving like clockwork, for more than 18 years. I wrote about those emails — and about my dad — on his 70th birthday.
18 years, 4 months and 24 days worth of emails
Let me tell you a story about my dad on his 70th birthday.
joanniesen.substack.com
January 26, 2025 at 2:23 PM
My dad has sent me an email every morning since I left for college. That’s over 6,000 notes, arriving like clockwork, for more than 18 years. I wrote about those emails — and about my dad — on his 70th birthday.
Instead of going outside and being affronted by scores of Cybertrucks ignoring basic traffic laws, I've decided to spend the weekend baking. Homemade garlic knots are a foolproof coping mechanism.
January 19, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Instead of going outside and being affronted by scores of Cybertrucks ignoring basic traffic laws, I've decided to spend the weekend baking. Homemade garlic knots are a foolproof coping mechanism.
Reposted by Joan Niesen
I'm not very techie so can't be absolutely sure, but it looks like print books are still working.
January 19, 2025 at 4:44 AM
I'm not very techie so can't be absolutely sure, but it looks like print books are still working.
I just filled out a form at 5:50 a.m. to request my local library order a book I'd like to read. I've never felt more like I'm on track to becoming the kind of senior citizen I'd one day like to be.
January 16, 2025 at 12:39 PM
I just filled out a form at 5:50 a.m. to request my local library order a book I'd like to read. I've never felt more like I'm on track to becoming the kind of senior citizen I'd one day like to be.
My December reading roundup includes Ann Patchett's debut novel, which is just as stunning as her later work, which confirms we should all worship her brilliance even more fervently. Read the whole newsletter for more: joanniesen.substack.com/p/december-b...
everything I read in December
Ann Patchett's debut novel was the highlight. Also, I figured I'd share the 10 best books I read in 2024.
joanniesen.substack.com
January 13, 2025 at 12:49 PM
My December reading roundup includes Ann Patchett's debut novel, which is just as stunning as her later work, which confirms we should all worship her brilliance even more fervently. Read the whole newsletter for more: joanniesen.substack.com/p/december-b...