1st Oregon News Minute from the AP

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Medical marijuana shops in Oregon are opening their doors with state approval for the first time this week, but some may not be in business very long. A new state law took effect last week allowing local governments to ban pot stores within their borders until May 2015. Store owners say compliance is their priority, even as local ordinances and rules are subject to change.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Though the crime rate is down, the Portland Police Bureau has identified 20 areas of the city that need more attention and will receive it. Officers will visit each of the hotspots several times a day, generally for 10 to 15 minutes spans. The neighborhoods that will get more attention are located throughout the city, from Goose Hollow and downtown to outer southeast and up to North Portland.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Environmental groups are stepping up pressure on Gov. John Kitzhaber over a proposed coal-export facility on the Columbia River. The groups want Kitzhaber to push the Department of State Lands to reject permit applications for the Morrow Pacific project. Ambre Energy of Brisbane, Australia wants to transport coal from Wyoming and Montana through Oregon to power-hungry Asian markets.

NEWPORT, Ore. (AP) — The Yaquina Head Lighthouse will close to the public next week because the staircase and interior walls are getting a new coat of paint. The Bureau of Land Management says the closure takes effect Monday and ranger-led tours of the historic lighthouse resume Sunday, April 6.