The Daily Iowan acquired the Solon Economist and the Mount Vernon Lisbon-Sun to give SJMC students more opportunities for hands-on learning experiences. The two newspapers will continue with their current staff, alongside the addition of student employees who will cover local news, Hawkeye sports, and political coverage. The opportunity will allow students to gain professional journalism experience while learning in an academic environment. The acquisition will be a way for The Daily Iowan and SJMC to support students' professional development while they are pursuing their undergraduate degree. Read more about the acquisition here.