Bronx News Roundup, Dec. 23

A tree that was salvaged from the rubble of the World Trade Center after 9/11, and nursed back to health in Van Cortlandt Park, was once again planted back at Ground Zero. The tree's homecoming coincides with yesterday's passage of a bill that will give health benefits to 9/11 responders. 

The NYPD will start using hidden cameras in the interrogation rooms of two police stations, including the 48th Precinct in Tremont.

A group of Franciscan monks from the Bronx are looking to revitalize a rundown neighborhood in Ireland.

Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., says things are looking up for Bronx businesses, thanks in part to the work of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corp.

A man is being charged with attempted murder after leaving threats on his ex-girlfriend's facebook page and attempting to kidnap her one-year-old daughter near Claremont Park.

The Bronx Zoo will be collecting food and toy donations for underprivileged New Yorkers until the end of the month; those who donate will get one free general admission ticket to the zoo. 

A group of Riverdale residents continue their campaign to boycott weekly community newspaper the Riverdale Review.

Nathaniel Linden, the man accused of robbing a handful of Bronx churches since November, told the Daily News he needed the money to feed himself and his pets.

Melissa Petro, the Bronx public school teacher who was removed from her classroom after she posted stories about her sex-worker past on the internet, is profiled in this month's issue of the magazine Marie Claire.

A profile of Dr. Richard Izquierdos, a longtime pediatrician in Hunts Point who opened his own charter school this year.