local
With deaths skyrocketing, Congressman calls for ban on retail nitrous oxide sales
By Joce Sterman, Scotty Smith at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· June 22, 2026
· 1 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 The Midland
The alarming rise in nitrous oxide-related deaths has significant implications for the Midland community, where substance abuse and mental health issues often intersect with the stresses of military service and deployment. As a hub for veterans and active-duty personnel, Midland must consider the potential consequences of easy access to nitrous oxide, particularly for those struggling with invisible scars from their time overseas. The proposed federal ban on retail sales could have a direct impact on local vape shops, convenience stores, and gas stations that may be selling the drug, potentially reducing its availability and appeal to vulnerable individuals. Midland residents should pay close attention to the progress of this legislation and its potential effects on local efforts to address substance abuse and support veterans' mental health.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland 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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 1 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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joce Sterman, Scotty Smith at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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