- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Urbandale Today
By the People, for the People
Midwest Inflation Rises Faster Than National Average, Iowa Bill Proposes Prison for Disturbing Church Services, Teens Face Adult Court in Shooting Death
Report finds Midwest inflation up 26% since 2020, Iowa House bill would impose up to 5 years in prison for disrupting church, and teen brothers charged in 14-year-old's shooting death may be tried as adults.
Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:35am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A new report finds inflation in the Midwest rose faster than the national average in February, with consumer prices up over 26% since January 2020. Meanwhile, an Iowa House bill would impose up to 5 years in prison for disturbing a church service, and two teenage brothers charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a 14-year-old may be tried as adults.
Why it matters
The rising inflation in the Midwest is putting a significant financial strain on families, while the proposed Iowa bill raises concerns about free speech and religious freedom. The decision to try the teenage brothers as adults could have major implications for juvenile justice and rehabilitation.
The details
The Common Sense Institute report found that inflation in the Midwest rose from 2.4% to 2.8% in February, higher than the national average. This means the average Midwestern family is spending over $1,300 more per month compared to 2020 to maintain the same standard of living. The Iowa House bill would impose a penalty of up to 5 years in prison for disturbing a church service, with supporters citing the need to protect worshippers but opponents arguing the current disorderly conduct law is sufficient. The 13-year-old and 14-year-old brothers charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a 14-year-old remain in juvenile court, but the county attorney's office has filed a motion to move their cases to adult court as youthful offenders.
- The Common Sense Institute report analyzed inflation data from February 2023.
- The Iowa House bill was introduced after anti-ICE protestors interrupted a church service in Minnesota earlier this year.
- The 13-year-old and 14-year-old brothers were arrested in February 2026 after the 14-year-old victim was found in a parking lot near Merle Hay Mall.
The players
Ben Murrey
An analyst with the Common Sense Institute who reported on the Midwest's higher inflation rate compared to the national average.
Iowa House
The state legislative body that is considering a bill to impose prison time for disturbing church services.
Urbandale County Attorney's Office
The local prosecutor's office that has filed a motion to move the teenage brothers' murder case from juvenile to adult court.
What’s next
The Iowa House bill must still pass the full legislature and be signed into law by the governor. The Urbandale County Attorney's Office will proceed with its motion to try the teenage brothers as adults.
The takeaway
The Midwest's higher inflation rate is adding significant financial strain on families, while the proposed Iowa bill to criminalize church disruptions raises concerns about civil liberties. The decision to try the teenage murder suspects as adults could have major implications for juvenile justice in the state.
