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With deaths skyrocketing, Congressman calls for ban on retail nitrous oxide sales
By Joce Sterman, Scotty Smith at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· 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 Atlanta
In Atlanta , the proposed federal ban on retail nitrous oxide sales could have significant implications for local efforts to combat substance abuse. As the city continues to grapple with the opioid epidemic and other public health crises, the rise of nitrous oxide abuse presents a new challenge for law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community organizations. The fact that nitrous oxide is widely available at local vape shops, convenience stores, and gas stations underscores the need for a coordinated response to address the issue. If the federal ban is enacted, Atlanta officials will need to work closely with state and federal authorities to ensure that the new regulations are effectively enforced and that resources are available to support individuals struggling with nitrous oxide addiction. The city's experience in addressing other substance abuse issues could inform its response to this emerging crisis, and local leaders should be prepared to adapt and innovate in their efforts to protect public health and safety.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta 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 Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
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 Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joce Sterman, Scotty Smith at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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