Weekend wrap-up: Here are the biggest Arizona stories from Sept. 28-30

PHOENIX — Sen. Jeff Flake took heat from protesters, the Valley prepared for Tropical Storm Rosa and a man pleaded guilty to igniting the 2017 Sawmill Fire.

Those were among the top Arizona stories from the weekend of Sept. 28.

Sen. Jeff Flake takes heat after Kavanaugh hearings

At the hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh on Thursday, Flake originally said he would vote to confirm Kavanaugh despite Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony that Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted her when they were teenagers.

Flake was approached in an elevator afterward by two activists who accused him of telling women their sexual assaults don’t matter by voting yes.

After the encounter, Flake requested that the confirmation vote be delayed for a week until the FBI can conduct an investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations.

A group of protesters dressed as characters from “The Handmaid’s Tale” protested outside of Flake’s office in Phoenix on Friday.

A Boston event that Flake is going to speak at was relocated due to a planned protest over Kavanaugh’s possible confirmation.

The Valley prepares for Tropical Storm Rosa

Hurricane Rosa was downgraded to a Tropical Storm on Sunday.

Regardless, there are still predictions of up to 6 inches of rain and flooding in the state throughout Wednesday.

Residents who want to prepare with sandbags can get them for free across the state.

Off-duty border patrol agent pleads guilty to starting Sawmill Fire

An off-duty border patrol agent shot a rifle at a target he had filled with an explosive substance in Green Valley, Arizona.

The explosion ignited the fire that ended up causing $8 million in damage across 45,000 acres in April 2017.

The man agreed to five years’ probation and a restitution payment of $8 million.

New speakeasy bar opened Sunday in Gilbert

The White Rabbit speakeasy bar opened Sunday at 207 N. Gilbert Road.

Its owners wanted to create a authentic speakeasy feel–customers need to find a password on the bar’s website in order to enter.

The bar is one of the newest businesses to add to downtown Gilbert’s growth.

Fire destroys Phoenix furniture business overnight

A Phoenix furniture store burned to the ground early Sunday after firefighters contained, but could not stop, the fire.

About 80 firefighters worked to protect seven homes directly exposed to the fire.

No civilians or firefighters were injured.

Related

Teen dies after being found with life-threatening injuries in San Tan ValleyGen Digital submits preliminary offer to acquire GoDaddy in potential Valley mega-dealFormer Supreme Court chief justice to complete independent review of Matthew Mayich collapseArizona doctor sentenced for his role in a $36.5 million Medicaid fraud caseRob Schneider helps Andy Biggs mock Gov. Katie Hobbs’ debate refusalStage 12 West, a new restaurant and live entertainment venue, opens in downtown Mesa