Alexander Lekhtman

Alexander is Filter’s 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.

Trump’s Ominous Acting-DEA Administrator Appointment

President Donald Trump has appointed Derek Maltz as acting administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Senate confirmation would be…

January 23, 2025

Trump’s Move to Label Drug-Trafficking Groups “Foreign Terrorist Organizations”

President Donald Trump announced on his first day in office that organized drug trafficking groups will be designated Foreign Terrorist…

January 22, 2025

Colorado Springs Won’t Ban Cannabis Sales, May Target Legalization Itself

The Colorado Springs City Council has passed an ordinance to allow the city's marijuana legalization measure to move forward as…

January 16, 2025

Police Union Fights Louisville Consent Decree as Trump Inauguration Looms

A legal battle is raging over the fate of the Louisville, Kentucky police. Federal officials are demanding that the city…

January 15, 2025

Denver Lawmakers Vote to Lift Restrictions on Syringe Programs

On January 13, the City Council of Denver, Colorado, voted to repeal an ordinance that severely restricts the number of…

January 14, 2025

“Shifts in Personality” Could Be Key to Psilocybin Helping SUD Patients

Can psilocybin help people with alcohol use disorder who wish to reduce their drinking, and if so, how? While such…

January 9, 2025

Minneapolis Police Consent Decree Has Uncertain Future Under Trump

Minneapolis, the city where a police officer murdered George Floyd in 2020, has agreed to let the federal government monitor…

January 8, 2025

Utah Sues Pharmacy Benefit Managers for “Central Role” in Opioid OD Crisis

Utah is suing two of the nation’s top pharmacy benefit managers (PBM), the companies that shape prescription drug pricing, alleging…

January 2, 2025

Database Shows How States Have (or Haven’t) Used Opioid Settlement Cash

A new database tracking how jurisdictions across the country are allocating opioid settlement funds shows that while treatment and prevention…

December 31, 2024

Lawmakers Omit Overdose Prevention Centers From MA Bill

Massachusetts lawmakers have dropped plans to authorize overdose prevention centers. Despite support from the state's Senate, health department and voters,…

December 19, 2024