Monthly Roundup: What's New with Matthew Bovee – June Preview

Welcome to this month’s roundup! Here’s what’s been happening in my world of investigative journalism, and a preview of what’s coming in June.

Recent Investigations

I’ve been deep in a major investigation examining Nebraska’s county-level government spending patterns. What started as a routine public records request has revealed some concerning trends in how tax dollars are being allocated across rural counties. Expect a full report in the coming months.

The Lincoln TIF investigation continues to generate reader interest. I’ve received dozens of tips following the original story, and several are developing into their own investigations. If you have information about tax increment financing irregularities in Nebraska, please reach out through the contact page.

Nebraska investigative reporting remains my core focus. The stories that matter most are often the ones that require the most patience—and this county spending investigation is certainly that.

Book Updates

The Settlement Machine – New Reviews Coming In

The response to The Settlement Machine has been overwhelming. I’ve been receiving wonderful reader reviews, many highlighting how the book helped them understand complex legal settlements and their impact on communities. Some law schools have reached out about using it in courses—never imagined my book would end up in academia!

A new reader guide is now available on the website, perfect for book clubs or classroom discussions. It includes discussion questions, background context, and suggestions for further reading on the topics the book explores.

The Aquifer War – Revised Edition Progressing

Work continues on the revised edition of The Aquifer War. The original book covered the dispute over the Ogallala Aquifer, but so much has happened in the years since publication that a substantial update is warranted. I’m adding three new chapters covering recent developments, including the interstate compact negotiations that have dominated water policy discussions.

The revised edition should be available by late summer. Current owners of the first edition will be able to purchase the update at a reduced price—details coming soon.

Upcoming Projects

I’ve started preliminary research for a new book examining Nebraska’s prison system. The project is in early stages, but initial document requests have already revealed some important stories that need telling. More details as the investigation develops.

Matthew Bovee’s upcoming books include the Aquifer War revised edition, the prison system investigation, and several shorter works I’m considering for digital-only release.

Events and Appearances

June Book Tour Dates

I’m planning a mini book tour for June, with stops across Nebraska and into neighboring states. The schedule is still coming together, but here are the confirmed dates so far:

• June 5 – Lincoln, NE – Indie Bookstore Night reading and signing
• June 8 – Omaha, NE – Millard Public Library author event
• June 12 – Kearney, NE – UNK journalism school guest lecture
• June 15 – Grand Island, NE – Hall County Library appearance
• June 19 – Fremont, NE – Midland University event

Additional dates in Iowa and Kansas are being finalized. Check the events page for updates as they’re confirmed.

Journalism Workshops

I’m continuing my series of journalism workshops for aspiring investigative reporters. These sessions cover source development, document analysis, and the practical realities of investigative journalism in the modern news environment.

The next workshop is scheduled for June 22 in Lincoln. Limited spots available – email to reserve your place.

Reader Q&A: Your Questions Answered

Each month, I select a few questions from readers to answer here. This month’s selections:

Q: How do you decide which investigations to pursue?

A: Every potential investigation gets evaluated on three factors: impact (how many people are affected), accessibility (can I actually get the information?), and significance (does this matter beyond the immediate story?). A story that scores high on all three is an obvious priority. The tricky decisions involve tradeoffs—when something is high impact but difficult to access, or significant but affecting few people.

Q: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve discovered in an investigation?

A: The Settlement Machine investigation revealed how settlement agreements routinely include confidentiality clauses that hide patterns of misconduct. What surprised me wasn’t any single case—it was the systemic nature of how these clauses prevent the public from learning about repeat offenders. One company had settled seven harassment cases in three years, and no one knew because of blanket confidentiality agreements.

Q: Do you ever get threatened for your reporting?

A: Threats come with the territory in investigative journalism. Most are empty—angry people venting. But I’ve received serious threats that required legal consultation and sometimes law enforcement notification. The key is taking all threats seriously while not letting them stop important reporting. You can’t do this work if you’re easily intimidated.

What I’m Reading

Every month, I share a few books that have influenced my thinking:

• “The New York Times” by Jill Abramson – A comprehensive history that’s essential for understanding American journalism’s evolution
• “They Can’t Kill Us All” by Wesley Lowery – Important account of modern investigative journalism covering police violence
• “Draft No. 4” by John McPhee – Master class in the craft of nonfiction writing

Looking Ahead to June

June is shaping up to be a busy month. The book tour will take me across the region, the Aquifer War revision will be in final edits, and the county spending investigation will continue gathering momentum. I’ll also be working on a major feature story for a national publication – more details when I can share.

Thank you for following along on this journey. Investigative journalism survives because readers like you care about truth and accountability. Your support means everything.

Stay curious,

Matthew Bovee

To order signed copies of my books, visit matthew-bovee.store. For more updates, subscribe to the newsletter.