Lee Enterprises and USA TODAY Co. Realign Local Newspaper Portfolios

DAVENPORT, Iowa, Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (NASDAQ: LEE) and USA TODAY Co., Inc. (NYSE: TDAY) announced today strategic agreements that signal an exciting next chapter for both organizations, effective immediately. Lee Enterprises will acquire publications in South Dakota and Montana respectively to include the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, the Aberdeen American News (including the Farm Forum), the Watertown Public Opinion and the Great Falls Tribune. Lee Enterprises maintains a strong footprint across Montana through the Billings Gazette, Independent Record, Missoulian, The Montana Standard and Ravalli Republic, as well as the Rapid City Journal in South Dakota.

The agreements also conclude TNI Partners, the joint venture involving the Arizona Daily Star, where Lee Enterprises led the Arizona Daily Star’s newsroom, production and related technology operations, while USA TODAY Co. managed advertising and sales, accounting and finance functions. USA TODAY Co. will assume full ownership and operations of the Arizona Daily Star. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for local journalism and community engagement across Arizona where USA TODAY Co. owns The Arizona Republic.