Waymo will begin mapping Portland streets with human-driven vehicles, the company announced yesterday, but the autonomous ride-hailing service remains far from launching paid robotaxi rides in the city.

The big picture: The move is expected to face regulatory and political hurdles before unmanned cars roam our streets.

• The company does not currently have permits to operate in Portland and its announcement essentially amounts to driving around and taking pictures in public rights of way.

What they're saying: "Portland has always been a pioneer in urban design, balancing its independent spirit with a deep commitment to sustainable, forward-thinking living," the company said in a blog post.

• "We aim to eventually provide both lifelong residents and first-time visitors with a safe, reliable, and stress-free way to move through the city."

Between the lines: State law says a human operator is still required behind the wheel in most cases.

• Portland is currently weighing rule changes that would permit for-hire automated vehicles on city streets, albeit with a number of restrictions, requirements and conditions.

Yes, but: Lawmakers considered a bill in the last legislative session that would have allowed Waymo to deploy its vehicles in the state, but the bill died in committee and several Portland city councilors testified in opposition.

• Waymo does appear to have the support of at least one Portland leader, though.
• "We need every tool to help us meet our Vision Zero goals," Mayor Keith Wilson said in the company's blog post, referencing the city's efforts to eliminate traffic deaths.
• "Autonomous technology plays an increasingly important role in providing a safe, thriving, affordable multimodal transportation system."

The bottom line: Waymo has aggressive expansion plans, but moving too fast could make life harder for the company, autonomous vehicle expert Grayson Brulte told Axios.

• "The biggest hurdle Waymo faces is not understanding local politics," he said earlier this year. "They're going into markets where the policy is not ready yet."

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⚖️ Federal agents at a Portland ICE facility can continue to use chemical munitions at their discretion after an appeals court extended a hold on a tear gas ban issued by a lower court. (The Oregonian)

🪫 The rapid development of power-hungry data centers is causing problems for those charged with predicting electricity needs across the Pacific Northwest. (OPB)

🍎 Pressure is building on food pantries around Portland after thousands of Oregonians lost access to federal food stamp benefits with the passage of the Trump administration's tax and spending bill last year. (KGW)

🎭 A Hillsboro-based performing arts group is marking National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives with a production of "I is for Invisible," a play by Cherokee playwright and actress DeLanna Studi. (KOIN)

If you're ready to level up your outdoor game, consider adding a bat box to your space.

Why it matters: Oregon is home to 15 bat species, and bat boxes can help provide safe roosting habitat as natural spaces shrink.

• Bats are key pollinators that spread seeds and devour pesky insects like mosquitoes, wasps and flies.
• And they need our help. White nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease, was discovered in bats in Oregon for the first time earlier this year.

Yes, but: "Bat houses are complicated to get right," warn experts at Bat Conservation International. "They can go unused for years, attract pests, and even harm bats when installed incorrectly."

What to know:

• Size matters: Buy a bat house that is at least 2 feet tall and 14 or more inches wide, according to the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, or build your own using these free plans.
• Skip the trees: Mount on poles or buildings at least 15 feet off the ground to avoid predators like raccoons and owls.
• Sun is your friend: Bats prefer warm roosts, so direct sunlight helps.
• Bring patience: It can take a year or more for bats to move in.

Reality check: Bats can carry rabies, but the risk is low, per the state Department of Health — avoid handling them and contact wildlife experts if one appears sick or injured.

You'll know your box is working if bat guano starts piling up below.

• Great for fertilizer — bad if it's over your grill, so plan carefully.

The good news: The Blazers didn't blow a double-digit lead Tuesday night. The bad news: That's because they never led as the Spurs knocked Portland out of the playoffs 114-95.

The big picture: The details of the game are less important than the fact that the Blazers overachieved this year, making the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

• That's despite their coach being arrested early in the season, an untested coach taking over, and injuries to key players throughout the season.

What we're watching: It should be a busy offseason, with new owners, who may seek yet another coach to lead the team, and open questions about how to upgrade the Blazers' roster.

• Yes, but: Next time they play, Damian Lillard will be back on the court.