local
With deaths skyrocketing, Congressman calls for ban on retail nitrous oxide sales
By Joce Sterman, Scotty Smith at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· 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 Nashville
In Nashville , the growing concern over nitrous oxide abuse has significant implications for local public health and safety efforts. As the city grapples with the consequences of substance abuse, a federal ban on retail sales could have a direct impact on the availability of the drug in Davidson County. With many convenience stores and gas stations in the area potentially selling nitrous oxide as a "culinary product," a national ban could help reduce the ease of access to this dangerous substance. Local law enforcement and health officials may need to prepare for a potential increase in demand for treatment services if a ban is implemented, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to address the root causes of addiction and provide support for those struggling with substance abuse. The proposed ban also raises questions about the role of local regulation in addressing the issue, and whether Nashville will follow the lead of other states in cracking down on the sale of nitrous oxide.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville 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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joce Sterman, Scotty Smith at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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