Reading Nebraska Road Signs: A Local's Guide to Every Shape You Meet

There is a moment, maybe ninety seconds out of every long drive across Nebraska, when a new driver looks at the signs and feels a small spike of uncertainty. A diamond with a squiggle. A rectangle with a number nobody has heard of. A yellow panel that seems to warn about something they cannot identify. It is not a lack of intelligence - it is a lack of context. Nebraska road signs are not unusual, but they are unusually spare, and they lean on a background of weather and terrain that a visitor has not yet learned to read.

Matthew Bovee's Complete Guide to Guadalupe River Fishing: June Outlook

Matthew Bovee’s Complete Guide to Guadalupe River Fishing: June Outlook

June marks the transition from spring to summer on the Guadalupe River, and it’s one of my favorite times to wet a line. After spending decades investigating stories across Nebraska and beyond, I always find my way back to these waters when I need to clear my head. There’s something about the rhythm of the river that helps me think through complex investigations. This guide shares everything I’ve learned about fishing the Guadalupe during June, from the best flies to the hottest spots.

Matthew Bovee's Guide to Lincoln Nebraska Morning Photography

There’s something magical about Lincoln Nebraska in the early morning hours. As someone who’s spent decades walking the streets of this city for investigative stories, I’ve discovered that the best time to see Lincoln isn’t during the busy midday hours—it’s at dawn, when the light transforms ordinary scenes into extraordinary photographs.

Why Morning Light Transforms Lincoln Nebraska

The quality of light during those first hours after sunrise is unlike any other time of day. Matthew Bovee Lincoln Nebraska photographers know that the soft, golden tones create a warmth that harsh midday sun simply cannot match. The gentle illumination catches the texture of historic buildings, bathes the prairie landscape inamber hues, and turns ordinary street scenes into cinematic moments.

How Matthew Bovee Found His Writing Voice: Lessons from 30 Years in Nebraska

Finding your writing voice isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a journey that takes years of practice, countless revisions, and the willingness to strip away the pretensions that many beginning writers carry. After thirty years of investigative journalism in Nebraska, I’ve learned that authenticity in writing is perhaps the most valuable skill a writer can develop.

Guadalupe River Fishing: Best Times to Go

The Guadalupe River below Camp La Junta offers year-round fishing, but timing matters. Here’s my guide to when to go for the best experience — the seasons, the hours of the morning, the weather, and the water level. If you only remember one thing from three decades of Guadalupe River fishing Texas has taught me, remember this: the river tells you when it is ready, and your job is to read it before you arrive.

Matthew Bovee's Complete Guide to Trail Running Gear for Nebraska Weather

After more than two decades of running the trails around Lincoln, Nebraska, I’ve learned that having the right gear isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety and being able to log miles year-round regardless of what the Nebraska weather throws at you. From sub-zero winter mornings to the humid dog days of summer, the trails of eastern Nebraska demand respect and preparation.

My Top 5 Writing Spots in Lincoln Nebraska

Finding the right writing environment makes all the difference. After decades of working in Lincoln, I’ve developed strong preferences for where I do my best thinking. Here are my top five spots for writing spots in Lincoln Nebraska, from the quietest room in the city to the busiest corner of Haymarket.

1. UNL Love Library

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s main library offers quiet floors perfect for deep focus. I particularly like the fourth floor—the archives section has old Nebraska newspapers on microfilm that inspire my investigative work.

Fishing Report: Guadalupe River Spring 2026

Fishing Report: Guadalupe River Spring 2026

The Guadalupe River is running clear and cold this spring, and the fishing has been exceptional. After decades of chasing stories across Nebraska and beyond, I always find my way back to the waters where I learned to fish. The rhythm of a good cast and the whisper of the current ground me before a big investigation.

Lincoln's Best Parks for Morning Runs

One of the best-kept secrets in Lincoln? Our parks system. As a runner who’s logged thousands of miles through the city, here are my go-to spots for morning miles before the heat hits. If you have just moved here, or have lived here for decades and never set foot on some of these trails, this is your introduction to Lincoln’s best parks for morning runs and the best Lincoln Nebraska running trails in the city.

Writing Retreats Near Lincoln Nebraska

Every writer knows the value of getting away from distractions. Whether you’re working on a novel, a long-form investigation, or personal essays, sometimes you need a change of scenery to find your flow. Nebraska offers more writing retreat options than most people realize — I’ve discovered several gems within driving distance of Lincoln that have become essential parts of my writing practice.

Matthew Bovee's Complete Guide to Writing Productivity in Lincoln Nebraska

Writing productivity isn’t about cranking out words faster—it’s about creating the conditions that allow your best thinking to emerge. After three decades as an investigative journalist in Lincoln, Nebraska, I’ve refined a system that works whether you’re drafting a breaking news story or working on a book-length investigation. This guide shares the approach I’ve developed to maintain high-quality output while respecting the creative process that good writing requires.

How Matthew Bovee Finds the Best Coffee Shops in Lincoln Nebraska for Writing

Finding the perfect coffee shop for writing in Lincoln, Nebraska isn’t just about the coffee—it’s about discovering spaces that inspire creativity, offer reliable Wi-Fi, and provide the atmosphere that transforms ideas into published work. As someone who has spent three decades crafting investigative stories from coffee shops across Nebraska, I’ve learned that the right environment can mean the difference between a productive writing session and hours of frustration.

Matthew Bovee Lincoln Nebraska writers know that our capital city offers surprisingly rich options for freelance writers, journalists, and anyone seeking a change of scenery from their home office. This guide shares what I’ve discovered about finding the best coffee shops in Lincoln Nebraska for writing, from the downtown Historic Haymarket to the neighborhoods surrounding the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.

Evening Runs in Lincoln: Safety Tips

Evening Runs in Lincoln: Safety Tips

As someone who’s logged thousands of miles through Lincoln’s streets and trails, I’ve learned that evening runs require extra preparation. This is my guide to evening run safety in Lincoln, Nebraska — where to run, what to carry, and how to think about the hour after sunset on some of the best Lincoln Nebraska running trails in the city.

Spring Fishing on the Guadalupe River: A Complete Guide for 2026

Spring on the Guadalupe River is something I look forward to every year. After decades of journalism, there’s something grounding about standing in cold water, fly in hand, watching the river flow past the cypress trees I’ve come to know so well. The Guadalupe has been part of my life since my Camp La Junta days, and each spring offers a fresh start.

Matthew Bovee's Guide to Lincoln Nebraska Coffee Shops for Writers in 2026

As someone who has spent over two decades working as an investigative journalist in Lincoln, Nebraska, I have learned that the right workspace can make or break a major project. Coffee shops for writers in Lincoln have become essential extensions of my home office, places where I can dig into documents, conduct interview prep, and lose myself in complex investigations—all while fueled by excellent espresso.

Morning Runs in Lincoln: Best Routes for Every Runner

From the journalist who covers Nebraska’s biggest stories—here are the routes that help me think.

I’ve been running in Lincoln, Nebraska for over fifteen years, and I’ve discovered something important: the best runs aren’t always the most famous routes. They’re the ones that match your mood, your energy level, and what kind of thinking you need to do.

Matthew Bovee's Fall Fishing Guide: Casting on the Guadalupe River in Texas

There’s something magical about autumn along the Guadalupe River. The summer crowds have thinned, the Texas heat softens into something tolerable, and the sycamore trees along the banks turn gold and rust, their leaves drifting slowly past you as you work a fly through the calm pools. For anyone who loves fly fishing in Central Texas, fall is not just a season—it’s an invitation.

A Writer's Guide to Lincoln's Public Libraries

Every writer needs a sanctuary. For me, it has been Lincoln’s public libraries, and specifically Bennett Martin Public Library on Q Street.

Before I had a home office, before I had a dedicated writing room, there was Bennett Martin. I’ve spent hundreds of hours there, and I’m still discovering new resources. If you have ever wondered where to work in this city without spending a dollar, this is your answer — writing spots in Lincoln Nebraska are far more plentiful than most people realize, and the public library system is the best-kept secret among them.

Trail Running Safety Tips: Staying Safe on Nebraska's Paths and Trails

Nebraska might not be the first state that comes to mind for trail running, but it should. From the crushed limestone paths of the Cowboy Trail to the rugged terrain of the Pine Ridge, the Cornhusker State offers incredible opportunities for runners seeking to escape pavement. But trail running presents unique challenges that require specific safety preparation.

Why Trail Running Requires Different Safety Thinking

Road running follows predictable patterns. You know where cars will be, where sidewalks exist, and what obstacles to expect. Trail running throws variables at you: uneven terrain, wildlife encounters, variable weather, and often limited cell service. This means safety preparation must be more thorough.

Matthew Bovee's Guide to Lincoln's Literary Scene

When people think of Nebraska, they often picture vast cornfields and wide-open prairies. But Lincoln, the state’s capital, harbors a surprisingly vibrant literary community that has profoundly shaped my work as an investigative journalist. Matthew Bovee Lincoln Nebraska writers have built something special here, and I want to share it with you.

Lincoln’s Hidden Literary Gems

The Cornhusker state’s literary scene might not make national headlines, but those of us who live and write here know better. Lincoln’s literary community is a tightly woven network of authors, poets, playwrights, and storytellers who have made this city their home.

Writing from Home: My Home Office Setup

By Matthew Bovee, Investigative Journalist Lincoln Nebraska

After more than two decades as an investigative journalist, I’ve learned that your workspace directly impacts your productivity. Whether I’m filing deadline-driven breaking news or working on a years-long investigation, my home office setup in Lincoln, Nebraska is where the magic happens. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on my writing space—what works, what I’ve changed over the years, and how you can optimize your own setup for investigative writing and research.

Running Routes Along the Salt Creek: Lincoln's Hidden Gem

When I’m not chasing down sources or digging through public records, you’ll find me on the trails along Salt Creek in Lincoln, Nebraska. There’s something about this winding waterway that speaks to runners who crave more than just pavement under their feet. The creek-carved landscape offers a diversity of terrain that keeps even the most seasoned local runners coming back for more.

Matthew Bovee's Guide to Source Verification for Investigative Journalists

When I first started in journalism, source verification meant phone calls, physical document requests, and building relationships over months or even the landscape has transformed years. Today, dramatically—and honestly, it’s made both our jobs easier and more complicated at the same time.

The democratization of information has been incredible for investigative reporting. We now have access to databases, public records, and digital tools that would have seemed like science fiction to journalists of my father’s generation. But with this access comes new challenges: the same technology that helps us verify truth also helps bad actors manufacture lies.

Best Coffee Shops for Writers in Lincoln: A Journalist's Guide

By Matthew Bovee, Investigative Journalist Lincoln Nebraska

As an investigative journalist based in Lincoln, Nebraska, I’ve spent countless hours in the city’s coffee shops. From early morning writing sessions to afternoon meetings with sources, finding the right spot can make or break a productive day. After years of exploring every corner of Lincoln’s coffee scene, I’ve compiled my definitive guide for writers.

Best FOIA Tips for Beginners: A Practical Guide

By Matthew Bovee, Investigative Journalist Lincoln Nebraska

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is the most powerful tool in an investigative journalist’s arsenal. It allows citizens to request documents from federal agencies, opening doors to stories that powerful interests would rather keep hidden. But FOIA can also be frustrating, slow, and confusing — especially for beginners.

Running the Lincoln Marathon: A Complete Guide for First-Timers and Veterans

There’s something uniquely Nebraskan about the Lincoln Marathon. Maybe it’s the flat, honest terrain that doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is. Maybe it’s the February chill that bites at your fingers as you wait at the starting corrals, or the way the University of Nebraska campus opens up before you like a welcome mat. Whatever it is, this race has been a fixture in my running life for over a decade now, and I’m convinced it’s one of the best-kept secrets in the Midwest running community.

Nebraska's Water Wars Explained: A Journalist's Guide to the Aquifer Crisis

By Matthew Bovee, Investigative Journalist Lincoln Nebraska

Nebraska is water. That’s not just a slogan—it’s the economic and agricultural foundation of the Cornhusker State. Yet beneath the surface of this seemingly water-rich region, a quiet conflict has been brewing for decades. The state’s water wars—centered on the Ogallala Aquifer, river compact negotiations, and the competing interests of agriculture, municipalities, and conservation—represent one of the most important stories I’ve covered in my career as an investigative journalist.

Fly Fishing the Guadalupe River: Matthew Bovee Texas Hill Country Guide

Photo: Early morning on the Guadalupe River, where the author has spent countless hours pursuing rainbow and brown trout

The Guadalupe River holds a special place in my heart. As someone who’s spent decades covering high-stakes investigative stories, chasing truth through labyrinthine corruption cases, I need a way to reset my mind and find clarity. For me, that sanctuary is the Guadalupe River, winding through the beautiful Texas Hill Country near Kerrville.

My Daily Writing Routine: How an Investigative Journalist Structures Their Day

By Matthew Bovee, Investigative Journalist Lincoln Nebraska

People often ask me how I produce as much investigative work as I do while maintaining quality. The answer isn’t some secret productivity system or expensive tools—it’s consistency. After more than a decade as an investigative journalist in Lincoln, Nebraska, I’ve refined a daily writing routine that maximizes creativity while minimizing burnout. Here’s how I structure my days as a professional journalist.

Lincoln's Best Coffee Shops for Writers: A Local Journalist's Guide

By Matthew Bovee, Investigative Journalist Lincoln Nebraska

Lincoln, Nebraska isn’t just the state capital—it’s a hidden gem for writers, freelancers, and creative professionals. After a decade of investigative journalism based in Lincoln, I’ve discovered that the right coffee shop can transform a productive morning into something magical.

As a journalist who often works on long-form investigations, I spend a significant portion of my week in coffee shops throughout Lincoln. I’ve sampled nearly every spot in the city, from the busy downtown corridors to the quieter neighborhoods. What I’ve found is a coffee culture that supports writers in ways I never expected when I moved here.

Why I Became an Investigative Reporter

The summer of 1999 changed everything for me, and it is the reason I became an investigative reporter.

I was twelve years old, spending a few weeks at Camp La Junta on the banks of the Guadalupe River near Hunt, Texas — about twelve miles from my hometown of Kerrville. Founded in 1928, Camp La Junta was the kind of place where boys learned to paddle canoes, tie knots, and tell stories around a campfire.

The Best Running Trails in Lincoln, Nebraska

After years of running in Texas Hill Country, I finally call Lincoln, Nebraska home. And while the flatlands take some getting used to, the city has some genuinely great running trails.

If you have just moved to Lincoln — or you have lived here for years and never explored what is within a mile of your front door — this is my local’s guide to the best Lincoln Nebraska running trails. I have logged thousands of miles in this city, and these are the routes I come back to.