Tonight's First Friday art walk on Roosevelt Row will look different after organizers scrapped the vendor market and street closures, citing a string of "ugly" and violent incidents.

Why it matters: It's a moment of reckoning for Roosevelt Row — a once-scrappy arts district that many locals say has lost its authenticity amid downtown Phoenix's rapid growth.

The intrigue: "The art became window dressing … for a bar district" said John Logan, a longtime downtown advocate and the owner of Carly's Bistro on Roosevelt, which closed in 2024 after 20 years.

• Artists, musicians and promoters we spoke to echoed Logan's sentiment, noting that the arrival of luxury apartments and upscale bars and restaurants crushed the district's soul — in large part because working-class artists can't afford to live there anymore.

The latest: Changes to Roosevelt's First Friday event will only impact the street fair portion. Other activities, like gallery openings and restaurant specials, will remain, per organizers.

Catch up quick: First Fridays began in the mid-'90s, by artists who'd moved into a largely abandoned downtown in search of cheap space and creative community.

• It was an organic, loosely organized affair that re-invigorated central Phoenix, said one of the event's founding artists, Pete Petrisko.

As it gained popularity, Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation (CDC) was formed to promote what was renamed "Roosevelt Row."

• The CDC grew the event to what it is now, attracting 20,000-plus attendees each month.

Yes, but: Critics say it's morphed into a party scene.

• A sprawling vendor market took over the streets post pandemic in what Petrisko dubbed a "manufactured spectacle" that pulled attention away from the handful of remaining art galleries on Roosevelt.
• Violence in recent months, including shootings, prompted organizers to eliminate that element altogether.

Friction point: Several creatives we spoke to, including event promoter Briannin Gross, said First Friday needs to be reclaimed by autonomous artists.

• They recalled their experience at the event in the aughts: Firebreathers, people on stilts and street performers chaotically co-existing outside of independent galleries and music venues.
• "I don't see why we can't get back to there," Gross said.

Zoom out: While Roosevelt Row has become the most popular spot to visit on First Friday, it's just one of many areas in central Phoenix that participate in the monthly arts celebration.

Other places to check out

Legislative Republicans unveiled the budget proposal that Gov. Hobbs demanded when she imposed her bill moratorium last month, but the two sides don't seem any closer to an agreement.

State of play: The roughly $18 billion Republican budget spends about $800 million less than Hobbs proposed in January.

• Notable provisions and likely friction points with the governor include:

💵 Nearly full implementation of federal tax cuts from last year's One Big Beautiful Bill Act — she's already vetoed two Republican tax conformity plans this session — which will cost about $1.45 billion over the next three years.

✂️ Across-the-board 5% budget cuts to all state agencies except the departments of public safety, child safety and corrections, which would save about $99 million.

🌞 The repeal of tax exemptions and credits for solar and other renewable energy.

• The GOP budget doesn't include Hobbs' proposed repeal of a tax exemption for data centers.

🍲 Cuts to nutrition assistance and Medicaid programs.

⚕️ A 10% increase in state employees' health insurance premiums.

What we're watching: Hobbs threatened to veto bills until Republicans presented a budget, but she isn't committing to lifting the bill moratorium and GOP lawmakers haven't yet tested her by sending new legislation to her desk.

• Her spokesperson told Axios it's "not quite" over.

Read more

More than three dozen people wasted their time but perhaps not their money in a scam over fake traffic fines.

State of play: A nationwide scam targeted Maricopa County residents this week with text messages warning of a "final notice" over outstanding violations for unpaid tolls (which we don't have in Arizona), parking violations and speeding.

• The texts said immediate action was required and gave recipients the option of either scanning a QR code to pay their fines or appearing in court.

Many recipients decided that they'd rather spend time than money, and showed up at the courthouse for nonexistent hearings.

• 38 people came to Maricopa County Superior Court for hearings in the nonexistent "traffic division" on Wednesday and more showed up yesterday, court spokesperson Vincent Funari told Axios.
• None of the people who came to court reported paying or scanning the QR codes, he said.

Yes, but: There could be others who paid the fake fines rather than come to court, Funari said.

What to look for

💸 The Tempe City Council may put a half-cent sales tax increase on the November ballot to resolve a $24 million budget deficit. (AZcentral)

🏀 The Suns aren't trading Devin Booker, team owner Mat Ishbia pledged. (Arizona Sports)

⚖️Jeremy Calles, superintendent of the Tolleson Union High School District, sued state Rep. Matt Gress (R-Phoenix) for alleged defamation. (ABC15)

🏈 Calais Campbell is leaving the Cardinals to sign a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens in what will be the Pro Bowl defensive lineman's 19th season. (ESPN)

It's Friday, and that means our news quiz is back!

• See how well you digested the week's local news here!

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