local
With deaths skyrocketing, Congressman calls for ban on retail nitrous oxide sales
By Joce Sterman, Scotty Smith at KGNS — Sitewide
· June 22, 2026
· 9 min read
(InvestigateTV) — Julia Charleston has lived with the kind of stress only the loved ones of deployed servicemembers can truly understand. Her son, Robert Howland, served in the Air Force – and did two tours – serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. “There were some scary moments. I remember Rob calling ...
Key takeaway Her son, Robert Howland, served in the Air Force – and did two tours – serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Why this matters in Laredo News
The call for a national ban on retail nitrous oxide sales has significant implications for Laredo , where the city's proximity to the border and extensive transportation networks may facilitate the flow of illicit substances. As the proposed ban works its way through Congress, local residents should be aware of the potential for increased enforcement and regulation of retail sales in the area. The patchwork of state regulations has already led to varying levels of enforcement in different parts of the country, and a federal ban could bring a new level of consistency to the issue. Laredo's community leaders and law enforcement officials should be prepared to address the potential consequences of such a ban, including the possibility of driving nitrous oxide sales underground. By staying informed and engaged, Laredo residents can play a crucial role in shaping the local response to this growing public health concern.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 9 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (InvestigateTV) — Julia Charleston has lived with the kind of stress only the loved ones of deployed servicemembers can truly understand. Her son, Robert Howland, served in the Air Force – and did two tours – serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. “There were some scary moments. I remember Rob calling ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joce Sterman, Scotty Smith at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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