Battle lines: Abortion rights supporters say that a rewrite of Louisiana’s abortion clinic regulations is aimed at forcing clinics to close, as leaders in conservative Southern states continue to add new limitations to the procedure. The Associated Press reports critics of the 20-page revamp of clinic licensing standards packed a small public hearing room to oppose the regulation changes planned by Gov. Bobby Jindal’s administration. Ellie Schilling, a New Orleans lawyer representing the state’s abortion clinics, says the new rules have unnecessary paperwork requirements, far-reaching operational regulations and limited ways for a clinic to appeal when its license is yanked. Read the full story.
Shifting sentiment: Americans are more likely than ever to favor easing a ban on exporting crude oil, so long as it does not lead to higher gasoline prices that recently have sunk to near $2 a gallon, according to a new Reuters-IPSOS poll. In questions posed to more than 2,000 voting-age Americans earlier this month, around 45% generally agreed that oil drillers should be allowed to export domestic crude abroad, while slightly more than 30% broadly disagreed. In September, supporters and opponents were both at around 40%. It was the first meaningful shift in opinion since Reuters-IPSOS began polling on the issue in October 2013. Read the full story.
By the numbers: Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates rose slightly this week after four straight weeks of declines, while remaining near historically low levels. Mortgage company Freddie Mac announced today the nationwide average for a 30-year mortgage edged up to 3.66% from 3.63% last week. The new average rate is still at its lowest level since May 2013. The rate for the 15-year loan, a popular choice for people who are refinancing, increased to 2.98% from 2.93% last week. The Associated Press has the full story.
