RAPID CITY, S.D. – Media company Lee Enterprises, the parent company of the Rapid City Journal, announced a major regional expansion Monday, acquiring several key South Dakota and Montana newspapers from USA TODAY Co., Inc. in a strategic deal that reshapes the local media landscape.

Under the agreement, effective immediately, Lee Enterprises acquires the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, the Aberdeen American News, including the Farm Forum, and the Watertown Public Opinion in South Dakota, as well as the Great Falls Tribune in Montana.

The acquisition broadens the company’s statewide presence in South Dakota, where it already operates the Rapid City Journal, uniting coverage across the state from Rapid City to Sioux Falls. Lee Enterprises also maintains a strong footprint in Montana through the Billings Gazette, Independent Record, Missoulian, The Montana Standard, and Ravalli Republic.

“We’re honored to deepen our commitment to the communities of Montana and South Dakota,” said Nathan Bekke, Lee Enterprises president and chief executive officer. “Across the 193 brands we serve in 28 states, our focus is the same: providing trusted local news and information that helps people stay informed, connected and engaged in their communities.”

As part of the transaction, the companies concluded TNI Partners, the joint venture involving the Arizona Daily Star. USA TODAY Co. will assume full ownership and operations of the Tucson publication, complementing its ownership of The Arizona Republic.

Michael A. Anastasi, senior vice president of local news for the USA TODAY Network, said the shift allows both organizations to position their newsrooms for long-term stability and growth.

“These thoughtful transactions reflects a strategic decision to best serve these communities and support the future of local journalism,” Anastasi said. “As leaders in the industry, we have a responsibility to ensure local news organizations are positioned for long-term success. We are proud to welcome the Arizona Daily Star and its talented team to the USA TODAY Network and look forward to building on its longstanding tradition of trusted local journalism.”

Lee Enterprises operates 193 owned and managed brands across 28 states, serving markets including St. Louis, Missouri; Buffalo, New York; Omaha, Nebraska; Richmond, Virginia; Lincoln, Nebraska; Madison, Wisconsin; and Davenport, Iowa.