Alexander Lekhtman

Alexander is Filter’s former staff writer. He writes about the movement to end the War on Drugs. He grew up in New Jersey and swears it’s actually alright. He’s also a musician hoping to change the world through the power of ledger lines and legislation. Alexander was previously Filter‘s editorial fellow.

What the Latest Chaotic FBI Data Say About US Drug Arrests

Drug arrests fell in 2024 compared to 2023, according to the FBI’s latest Uniform Crime Report. Yet there were still…

October 24, 2025

Devastating Threats to Vulnerable People as Trump Sends Troops to DC

Troops appeared on the streets of Washington, DC, on the night of August 12. The previous day, President Donald Trump…

August 13, 2025

Federal Judge Rules Psilocybin Church Religious-Rights Case Can Proceed

A federal judge has ruled that a Utah-based faith group that uses psilocybin mushrooms as sacrament can move forward with…

August 12, 2025

DOJ Posts Revised, Much Shorter List of Immigrant “Sanctuary Jurisdictions”

On August 5, the Department of Justice published a list of so-called “sanctuary jurisdictions” that it claims are in violation…

August 8, 2025

Questions Over Wisconsin Spending of Opioid Settlement Money

Under the nationwide legal settlements with major opioid manufacturers and distributors, the state of Wisconsin and its local governments will…

August 6, 2025

First Public Database of CA Police Officer Misconduct Records Unveiled

Seven years in the making, a searchable database of California law enforcement misconduct and use-of-force reports is now available to…

August 5, 2025

Divisions Over Mayor’s Shelter Plans in Portland, Oregon

A plan from Mayor Keith Wilson (D) of Portland, Oregon, to build new shelter beds for people experiencing homelessness has…

July 31, 2025

Legal Battle Emerges as ICE Denies Bail to All Undocumented Immigrants

Immigrant rights activists are fighting back against a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy that prevents all undocumented detainees…

July 30, 2025

Confirmation of Trump’s DEA Pick Will Bring More of the Same, or Worse

On July 22, the Senate confirmed Terrance Cole as the new administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, by a 50-47…

July 24, 2025

Ibogaine Clinics Closer Than Ever in Colorado

Colorado is moving toward becoming the first state to allow legal, licensed ibogaine therapy. The naturally-derived psychedelic shows some promise…

July 23, 2025