USA TODAY takes Arizona Daily Star as Lee acquires four newspapers

Posted Tuesday, September 29, 2026 10:26 am

E&P team | Summary of an announcement from USA TODAY Co. and Lee Enterprises

USA TODAY Co. will take full ownership and operation of the Arizona Daily Star as part of agreements with Lee Enterprises announced Monday. The transaction ends TNI Partners, the joint venture in which Lee handled the Tucson newspaper’s newsroom, production and related technology while USA TODAY managed advertising, sales and financial functions. USA TODAY also owns The Arizona Republic.

Lee will acquire the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, Aberdeen American News and its Farm Forum, Watertown Public Opinion and Great Falls Tribune. The companies said the agreements take effect immediately. The exchange reshapes their newspaper portfolios across Arizona, Montana and South Dakota.

Read the company announcement at Business Wire →

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USA TODAY takes Arizona Daily Star as Lee acquires four newspapers

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