Hurricane Zeta; Accused Kidnappers Indicted: The Week In News

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Hundreds of thousands of people all over the state were left without power this past week after Hurricane Zeta sped through the state Wednesday night. Although the damage was not as severe as some expected, the power outages and wind damage did force some schools and businesses to close Thursday.

Also in the news this past week, the accused kidnappers of Birmingham businessman Elton B. Stephens, Jr. were indicted by a federal grand jury.

Here are those and more stories that made headlines this past week on Patch:

Nearly 500K Without Power In After Zeta Speeds Through Alabama

After Tropical Storm Zeta sped through the state Wednesday night and Thursday morning, Alabama Power reports that nearly half a million customers lost power overnight.

Accused Kidnappers Of Elton B. Stephens, Jr. Indicted

A man and woman accused of kidnapping Birmingham businessman Elton B. Stephens were indicted by a federal grand jury Tuesday.

Robbery, Shootout At Bank On Montclair Road Leads To Arrest

Birmingham police are investigating a robbery at the AlaTrust credit union branch on Montclair Road.

Brookwood Village Could Undergo Major Redesign

One of the Birmingham metro's oldest shopping malls may be set to undergo a major redesign. Plans are underway to turn Brookwood Village into a mixed use, residential/retail/office development.

Hoover Businessman Sentenced To Prison For Tax Evasion

A Hoover salesman was sentenced to 24 months in prison Tuesday for tax evasion, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama.