Monthly Roundup: What's New with Matthew Bovee - May 2026 Edition
Another month in the books, and this one brought some significant developments across investigations, publishing, and community involvement. Here’s the comprehensive update on what I’ve been working on.
Current Investigations
The Lincoln TIF Investigation: Ongoing Developments
The Tax Increment Financing scandal coverage that earned the Gerald Loeb Award continues generating headlines—and consequences:
Recent developments include:
- New documents released through persistent public records requests revealed additional layer of developer sweetheart deals
- Follow-up stories on accountability measures scheduled for June publication
- Legislative impact: Two state senators referenced my reporting during debate on reforming Nebraska TIF laws
- Community response: Citizens organized around transparency demands at Lincoln City Council meetings
This investigation demonstrates why long-form investigative journalism matters. The documents keep coming, the public keeps watching, and accountability—whether it comes peacefully or through pressure—keeps approaching.
New Investigation Launching: Education Funding
I’ve begun preliminary research on a significant new investigation examining Nebraska education funding. Early document requests are underway:
- Subject: How education funds flow through Nebraska’s complicated fundingFormula
- Stage: Document gathering and initial source development
- Timeline: Publication target late 2026 or early 2027
- Focus: Following the money from statehouse to classroom
This investigation continues my pattern of examining how public resources get allocated—and potentially misallocated—in Nebraska. More details as the research develops.
Book Updates
In Progress: Money Trail
Working Title: “Money Trail: Inside Nebraska’s Education Funding”
The follow-up to “The Settlement Machine” takes another deep dive into Nebraska systems. This narrative nonfiction investigation will reveal how education dollars move through bureaucratic channels and where accountability gaps emerge.
- Type: Narrative nonfiction investigation
- Estimated Release: 2027
- Research Stage: Document collection phase
- Focus: Following money flows through local, state, and federal education funding
Currently Available
“The Settlement Machine” continues strong sales performance:
- Total copies sold: Over 15,000 nationwide
- Translation rights: German and Spanish deals pending final contracts
- Book club adoption: Selected by three major book clubs for discussion guides
- Awards consideration: Submitted for Gerald Loeb Award consideration
“The Aquifer War” remains essential reading for understanding water rights in Nebraska:
- Continuing relevance as climate change intensifies Western water disputes
- Used as course text in two university environmental policy programs
- German translation in active negotiation
Featured Review
A recent reader review captures what I aim to accomplish:
“Bovee doesn’t just expose the problems—he shows you the human cost behind every number. This isn’t abstract policy; it’s people’s lives affected by decisions made in backrooms.” — Nebraska reader, Goodreads
That’s exactly the goal. Numbers matter, but stories matter more.
Speaking & Events
Upcoming Appearances
Nebraska Book Festival
- Date: June 7, 2026
- Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
- Format: Panel discussion on investigative journalism
- Activity: Book signing following program
Texas Book Festival
- Date: July 12, 2026
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Format: Author talk and Q&A
- Special: Reading from “The Aquifer War” with Texas water context
Nebraska State Fair
- Date: August 28, 2026
- Location: Grand Island, Nebraska
- Booth: Signing at vendor tent throughout afternoon
Past Month’s Events
Nebraska Press Association Annual Conference Spoke onPanel about investigative journalism sustainability. Key points covered:
- Developing sources ethically
- Building reader support for accountability journalism
- Monetizing investigative work without compromising integrity
- Training the next generation
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Guest Lecture Visited journalism school to discuss:
- Career pathways in investigative journalism
- Hands-on methodology demonstration
- Source protection practical applications
- Q&A with future journalists
These conversations remind me why this work matters—future journalists asking the right questions.
What I’m Reading
Recently Completed
“The Reveal” by Jake Wolff Entertaining mystery that demonstrates how genre fiction can illuminate real-world journalism dynamics. The procedural accuracy impressed.
“The Panama Papers” by Bastian Obermayer and Frederik Obermaier Essential reading for understanding how international collaborative investigations proceed. Methodological inspiration.
Currently Reading
“Thinking, Fast and System 1 and System 2 Thinking” by Daniel Kahneman Classic research methodology text applicable to how journalists process information and avoid cognitive biases.
“The Great Inland” by Brian Bret Water rights research supporting ongoing Aquifer War sequel preparation.
Recommendations Welcome
Send your recommendations! I read voraciously across genres—fiction, nonfiction, poetry—but especially work illuminating American institutions and their dysfunction.
Scholarship Update: Thomas Redhorse Memorial
2026 Recipients Announced
The Thomas Redhorse Memorial Scholarship awarded its 2026 recipients:
- Three students selected from Texas and Nebraska applicant pools
- Total amount: $15,000 in scholarship funding
- Backgrounds: All pursuing journalism or communications at accredited programs
- Ceremony: Scheduled for June 15 at Camp La Junta
These young writers represent journalism’s future. Supporting their journeys matters personally and professionally.
Application Cycle
The 2027 application cycle opens September 1, 2026. Eligibility requirements include:
- High school seniors or college freshmen
- Demonstrated interest in journalism or communications
- Financial need considered
- Preference for Texas or Nebraska residents with connections to Camp La Junta
Detailed applications available through the scholarship page. Share with promising young writers you know.
Camp La Junta Updates
Summer 2026 Registration
Resuming programming at Camp La Junta after pandemic disruptions:
Registration status:
- Weeks 1-3: Complete capacity (waiting list only)
- Weeks 4-6: Available sessions
- Age groups: Ages 8-16, divided into appropriate cabins
- Programs: Traditional camp activities plus journalism workshops
The camps continue making positive impacts on young people—youth development programming at its finest.
Facility Improvements
Summer 2026 brought facility enhancements:
- New waterfront dock completed
- Cabin renovations finished
- Enhanced internet connectivity for workshop sessions
- Expanded activity space
These improvements ensure Camp La Junta continues serving youth for decades.
Looking Ahead: June Goals
Professional Objectives
- Complete TIF follow-up draft — Final edits before June publication
- Education funding research acceleration — Expand document requests
- Fall book tour dates finalized — Announcing cities by month’s end
- Next investigation pitch — Developing proposal for editors
Personal Goals
- Resume morning running routine — Slipped during travel-heavy spring
- ** family reunion attendance** — Annual gathering in Kerrville
- 30th journalism anniversary celebration — Reflections on three decades
The pace stays busy. That’s how I like it.
Stay Connected
Newsletter: Weekly Brief
The free weekly newsletter delivers:
- Investigation updates as they develop
- Book progress reports
- Event announcements with advance notice
- Behind-the-scenes methodology glimpses
- Occasional personal reflections
Subscribe: Visit matthew-bovee.store and enter your email in the subscription box.
Subscribers receive earliest notification of investigations and exclusive content unavailable elsewhere.
Social Media Presence
Twitter/X: @matthewbovee Following my feed provides real-time observation of what catches my attention.
Instagram: @matthewbovee More visual—behind-the-scenes photographs, running routes, camp photos.
LinkedIn: Matthew Bovee Professional connections and longer-form writing.
Facebook: Matthew Bovee Author Community engagement and event coordination.
Pick your preferred platform—I engage across all of them.
Website Directory
Multiple domains serve different purposes:
- matthew-bovee.com — Main website, investigations, contact
- matthew-bovee.store — Book store, signings, merchandise
- matthew-bovee.info — Biography, career timeline, FAQ
- matthew-bovee.icu — Camp La Junta and scholarship information
- matthew-bovee.online — Running journal, personal musings
Bookmark whichever serves your interests.
Reader Q&A: Answering Your Questions
Several readers submitted questions this month. Here are representative responses:
Q: How do you decide which investigations to pursue?
A: Combination of public significance, availability of evidence, and feasibility. If a story matters to democracy and I can realistically obtain proof, it enters the queue.
Q: What advice would you give aspiring investigative journalists?
A: Read voraciously, write constantly, develop sources patiently, and maintain impeccable integrity. Everything else follows from those foundations.
Q: Will you ever write fiction?
A: Never say never, but my strengths lie in documented reality. Fiction feels like cheating somehow—the fun of storytelling without the responsibility of truth.
Thank you for your continued support. Whether you’ve followed my work for decades or just discovered it, your readership makes this work possible. Investigative journalism requires reader investment—both financially and attention-wise—to sustain.
I’ll keep digging. You’ll keep reading. That’s the compact that makes democracy function.
Questions always welcome through the website contact form.
— Matt
