Traffic congestion is worsening in the Valley, and it's costing you more time in your car, according to a new report.

State of play: Phoenix metro drivers spent an average of 76 hours in traffic in 2024, per the Texas A&M Transportation Institute's 2025 Urban Mobility Report.

• That's up from 50 in 2010 and 61 in 2019, the last year before a pandemic-induced drop.
• The average U.S. car commuter is spending a record 63 hours annually in traffic amid changes in when and why we drive, the new report finds.
• Both locally and nationally, the 2024 numbers are the highest since 1982, when the dataset begins.

Meanwhile, things are better in Tucson, where drivers spent an average of 50 hours in traffic last year, the same as in 2019.

Driving the news: Congestion is again increasing in many cities after a pandemic-era dip, while driver behavior has also changed.

• Traditional rush hours are returning. Yet there's also been a "noticeable rise in midday congestion," the report finds, possibly tied to remote and hybrid work changing schedules and travel behaviors.
• Thursday has overtaken Friday with the highest share of weekly delays — perhaps "because some of the Friday travel is not associated with commuting, whereas Thursday has more of a typical commute pattern," per the report.
• Delivery trucks are adding to traffic woes, too.

What's next: State Route 30, a planned freeway that will eventually run from Interstate 17's Durango Curve to State Route 85 in Buckeye, will hopefully provide some relief, particularly in the fast-growing southwest Valley.

Yes, but: If you'd rather stay off the roads and avoid sitting in or contributing to congestion, there are mass transit options like light rail and buses.

• Valley Metro light rail now runs from downtown to south Phoenix.
• Planned expansions will bring light rail to the state Capitol area and west along Interstate 10 to the Desert Sky Transit Center at Thomas Road and 79th Avenue.

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Halloween isn't just for kids. It's a rare moment when adults actually meet their neighbors.

Why it matters: Only about a quarter of U.S. adults say they know "all or most" of their neighbors, a 2025 Pew Research Center survey found.

• 62% know some neighbors. But another 12% say they don't know a single one.

The big picture: Being connected to your neighbors is better for your mental health, longevity and happiness levels, studies have shown.

Reality check: A little more neighborliness can't solve everything straining American society right now.

• But it certainly couldn't hurt to at least be on a first-name basis with a few folks on your block or in your building.

The bottom line: Making a few neighborhood friends is sweeter than any Snickers.

Phoenix Rising FC heads to El Paso tomorrow to compete in the USL Championship playoffs.

Why it matters: This is the club's eighth playoff appearance in its nine-year history.

State of play: The Rising, the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference, take on the No. 4 El Paso Locomotive tomorrow in the conference quarterfinals at 6:30pm.

• The match will air on AZFS and ESPN+.
• The club will hold a watch party for local fans at Tom's Watch Bar in downtown Phoenix.

Zoom in: Fans have a chance to send off the players in Halloween style by attending the final training session at Phoenix Rising Stadium today from 9:30-11am.

• Attendance is free, but an RSVP is required. Costumes are encouraged.

"My family was more likely to be on Judge Judy than this show."

💸 TYR Tactical, a West Valley body armor company founded by Peoria Mayor Jason Beck, will be acquired by Florida-based Cadre Holdings Inc. in a $175 million deal. (Phoenix Business Journal)

🏈 ASU wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is now listed as "doubtful" to play in tomorrow's Big 12 Championship rematch against Iowa State. Quarterback Sam Leavitt was ruled out earlier this week. (Arizona Sports)

Nogales City Councilmember Saulo Bonilla is on probation after being found guilty of disorderly conduct for threatening a man at a gas station. (AZcentral)

Welcome to another edition of "Where in the Valley?"

How it works: We show you something cool. You tell us where it is.

• The first reader who names the spot gets a shoutout in the newsletter.

You tell us: Where in the Valley can you find this statue of Poseidon surrounded by mermaids?