Self-driving cars have been popping up across the country, but it's unclear how soon — if ever — we'll see them in Illinois.

The big picture: Waymo calls itself the world's first autonomous ride-hailing service and the "most experienced driver."

• It operates in five cities — Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Phoenix and Austin. Nineteen more are being added in the next couple of years, Axios' Joann Muller reports.

What they're saying: "We'd be thrilled for Chicago residents to have the chance to experience the magic of Waymo for themselves, and we are advocating for changes at the state level that would provide clarity on fully autonomous operations in Illinois," Waymo spokesperson Ethan Teicher tells Axios in a statement.

State of play: Illinois Department of Transportation spokesperson Maria Castaneda told Axios the department has "no official stance on autonomous vehicles at this time."

Flashback: An executive order issued in 2018 by then-Gov. Bruce Rauner introduced the Autonomous Illinois Testing Program to test out AV technology and safety and mandated that a licensed driver always be in the vehicle.

• Castaneda said "the department has made no additional steps to act on" that order.

Zoom in: Earlier this year, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit introduced a bill to require a human operator in AVs, but it never got a vote.

The intrigue: Although Chicago is not on Waymo's official expansion list, the company has shown interest in coming here.

• When you sign up for updates from Waymo and enter your home address, the site auto-populates with a drafted letter to your state senator and state representative: "I'm writing today in support of legislation to bring Waymo to Illinois."

What we're watching

A norovirus that causes extreme vomiting is on the rise again.

Why it matters: Nicknamed the "winter vomiting disease," the highly contagious norovirus has arrived weeks ahead of expectations, per the CDC.

• It's surging as cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, are spiking and the dangers of COVID and the flu loom.
• The sickness could require medical attention or even hospitalization for immunocompromised people, the elderly and little kids, the CDC says.

By the numbers: Cases of norovirus have doubled over the last few weeks, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• About 14% of tests for norovirus came back positive during the week of Nov. 15, double the roughly 7% positivity three months ago, the CDC data show.

Go deeper

🏛️ Frank Gehry, the celebrated architect whose designs include the Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park, died Friday at age 96. (AP)

⏱️ Residents of a South Shore building raided by federal agents in September have requested more time from a judge to evacuate the building. (Block Club)

🏈 The Bears (9-4) lost a nailbiter to the Packers in Green Bay, 28-21. The Packers take over sole possession of first place in the NFC North while the Bears cling to a wild-card spot with four weeks left in the regular season. (CHGO)

Veteran Chicago film critics are harder to find these days than single-screen theaters.

• But we still have one in Nick Digilio.

Driving the news: The longtime critic, radio host and podcaster has chronicled his four decades in the biz with "40 Years, 40 Films," a delightful new memoir/review collection focusing on one great film from each year.

• To celebrate, Digilio and Eckhartz Press are hosting a launch party at 6pm Friday at Kaiser Tiger, 1415 W. Randolph St.

We recently asked him a few questions about the new book:

The inspiration: "My love of movies, and my enjoyment of turning people on to movies they may not have seen ... Also, my girlfriend Julie kicked me in the ass to get this thing going."

What's your hope? "That people enjoy this story of a loud-mouth kid with an obsession for movies and horror who became a successful critic and radio personality simply because of persistence and hard work."

Is this a bathroom book? "Yes, it's perfect for the can."

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👋 Hey, it's Justin and I'm still recapping each game of the storied 1985 Bears season for the 40th anniversary.

Today's game: Indianapolis Colts (Dec. 8, 1985)

State of play: The Bears showed rust after losing to Miami, but ultimately prevailed over a pretty lousy Colts team.

• It was only 3-3 at halftime, but the Bears dominated the second half to win 17-10.

Star of the game: Walter Payton, who had the flu all week, racked up over 100 yards rushing for the 9th straight game.

Fun stat: This was Payton's 150th straight start. Unreal.

Runner-up: Steve McMichael. While most of the other players seemed to sleepwalk through this one, Mongo batted a couple of passes and led the defensive charge.

Play of the game: On the first Colts' drive, the Bears had a goal line stand, forcing a field goal attempt, which the Colts missed.

Non-football moments: This was the last home game for the season. It was the first time the Bears went undefeated at home since 1956 at Wrigley Field.

• The announcer said the last time the Bears played the Colts, Coach Ditka broke his hand. Classic.

The bottom line: The Bears played poorly, but it hardly mattered.

• They are 13-1.

Next week: At the New York Jets.

More game recaps

A new three-sided mural of hope and help by Chicago artist David Lee Csicsko has landed in the old Bigsby & Kruthers spot along the Kennedy.

• The images illustrate the home meals, health care and grocery programs provided by local nonprofit Care For Friends in a style Csicsko calls "Giotto from late Middle Ages meets Toulouse Lautrec and me."