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Justice Department withdraws subpoenas that sought reporters' grand jury testimony, sources say
By AP via Scripps News Group at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· June 23, 2026
· 4 min read
The Justice Department issued and then withdrew subpoenas that sought to compel reporters at The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal to testify before a grand jury, according to people familiar with the matter.The Washington Post confirmed that one of its reporters received a subpoena fro...
Key takeaway Journalists at The Wall Street Journal also received grand jury subpoenas, according to people familiar with the matter, a rare and unusual move that critics said was a threat against press freedom.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The Justice Department's withdrawal of subpoenas targeting reporters at The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal has implications for press freedom in Detroit , where local journalists often cover sensitive stories involving government agencies and law enforcement. The fact that the federal government would attempt to compel reporters to testify before a grand jury raises concerns about the potential chilling effect on investigative journalism in the city. Detroit's own history of corruption and scandals, from the Kwame Kilpatrick era to recent controversies involving the Detroit Police Department, underscores the need for a free and unfettered press to hold those in power accountable. As the city continues to navigate complex issues like public safety and economic development, it is crucial that local journalists are able to report on these stories without fear of reprisal or intimidation from government agencies. The withdrawal of these subpoenas is a welcome development, but it also serves as a reminder that vigilance is necessary to protect the First Amendment rights of journalists in Detroit.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Justice Department issued and then withdrew subpoenas that sought to compel reporters at The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal to testify before a grand jury, according to people familiar with the matter.The Washington Post confirmed that one of its reporters received a subpoena fro...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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