parks
With spikes in deaths, Congress moves forward on a bill to ban retail nitrous oxide sales
By Joce Sterman at KGNS — Sitewide
· July 17, 2026
· 3 min read
WASHINGTON, DC (InvestigateTV) — As deaths associated with nitrous oxide continue to skyrocket, there’s movement on Capitol Hill toward a federal crackdown on a product that’s being widely sold for use as a recreational drug. Although nitrous has legitimate uses in both medical and culinary setti...
Key takeaway A 2025 study from the University of Mississippi found a 500-percent spike in reported nitrous-related deaths between 2010-2023.
Why this matters in Laredo News
The movement to ban retail nitrous oxide sales has significant implications for Laredo , where the city's parks and recreational areas may be unwittingly facilitating the use of this dangerous substance. As the federal government considers legislation to curb the sale of nitrous oxide for recreational use, local authorities should take note of the potential risks in their own community. The fact that nitrous oxide is being marketed with enticing flavors and graphics that target young people is particularly concerning, given the city's large youth population. Laredo's city government and public safety officials should be prepared to support any federal efforts to restrict the sale of nitrous oxide and educate the community about its dangers. By doing so, they can help prevent the kind of tragedies that have occurred elsewhere, such as the death of Air Force veteran Robert Howland, and ensure that Laredo's parks and public spaces remain safe and healthy environments for everyone.
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: parks ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? WASHINGTON, DC (InvestigateTV) — As deaths associated with nitrous oxide continue to skyrocket, there’s movement on Capitol Hill toward a federal crackdown on a product that’s being widely sold for use as a recreational drug. Although nitrous has legitimate uses in both medical and culinary setti...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joce Sterman 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 parks coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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