On this special edition of NJ Spotlight News we mark 25 years since September 11th 2001. A day that changed New Jersey, the nation, and the world forever. Tonight we look at the people who responded, the lessons that followed, and what 9/11 means a generation later as we preserve the memory of that day.

Former NJ Governor Tom Kean

Former US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta

First Responder Valerie Velazquez-Stetz

On NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi, as tomorrow marks 25 years since September 11, one New Jersey responder reflects on the tragic events of that day and her continued fight for 9-11 families. Plus, we talk with Miss NJ USA on how she’s making a difference for individuals with disabilities in her community. Finally, our own Colleen O’Dea asks Governor Sherrill about the reported investigation into her Lieutenant Governor over misconduct- hear what she had to say.

GUESTS INCLUDE:

COLLEEN O’DEA 

Senior Writer & Projects Editor, NJ Spotlight News

VALERIE VELAZQUEZ-STETZ 

9/11 Responder | Retired Jersey City Police Officer

Outreach Consultant | Barasch & McGarry | Lawyers for the 9/11 Community 

KATARINA LENGYEL

Miss New Jersey USA

Founder, Inspire Dance Team

Tonight, we get the latest on the reported internal investigation into Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell amid allegations of inappropriate behavior.

Plus, the state of the Empty Sky 9/11 memorial in Jersey City and what is being done to maintain and repair the site ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attacks.

And, hear from one Rutgers astrophysicist about a new project that may change our understanding of the universe.

Tonight, we look at the key things your family needs to know as the kids head back to school, from foodborne illnesses to the latest on measles cases.

Plus, a new documentary honors the heroes of September 11, 25 years after the attacks. We talk with director Michael Grier and former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta about the film.

And, fighting food insecurity. Meet one remarkable New Jersey teen tackling hunger in her community from her own backyard.

On this NJ Spotlight News special edition, we reflect on the upcoming 25th anniversary of September 11. We lost nearly three thousand people on 9/11, about 750 of them were from New Jersey. In this next half hour, host Joanna Gagis talks with responders who remember the tragic events that unfolded that day, and hear how they and others are still working tirelessly to ensure we never forget and to bring comfort and answers to families who lost their loved ones 25 years ago.

Guests include:

MARK DESIRE

Asst. Dir. of Forensic Biology, NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner

JOHN FEAL

Memorial Co-Designer, EMPTY SKY: New Jersey’s 9/11 Memorial

Tonight we’re bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable – where Joanna Gagis has a roundup of the top political stories of the week with the help of a panel of local journalists.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, New Jersey's Acting Department of Labor Commissioner Kevin Jarvis talks about the latest job numbers, layoffs, expanded job protected leave, and the role of AI.

And, we talk with one astronomer involved in a new study photographing the southern hemisphere and what the results may tell us about the cosmos.

Plus, Bayonne vs. Everybody - we talk with Jaime and Mason Rincon about their epic run in the Little League World Series, and the lessons both on and off the field for the father and son

On NJ Spotlight News, Anchor Joanna Gagis looks at Meta settling its lawsuit with New Jersey and other states - we'll tell you what it means for protecting kids online with a conversation with Digital Safety advocate Nicki Petrossi. Plus, local police across the state say they want tougher penalties on smoke shops and other stores that are still selling banned vape products aimed at teens. We talk with Montville Police Chief Andrew Caggiano, leading the call for change. Also, the latest in the funding fight between the Trump administration and the Gateway Tunnel - from the courts to construction, where does the massive transit project stand? We talk with NJ.com's Transportation Reporter Larry Higgs.

On NJ Spotlight News, Anchor Joanna Gagis looks at as families in New Jersey prepare to go back to school, some have to make the impossible choice between school supplies and food. We talk with Triada Stampas from Fulfill, a food bank working with Monmouth and Ocean County residents to help. Meanwhile, other families are gearing up for the fall sports season… but youth sports today is a whole new ballgame… and it comes at a cost. We’ll take a look NJ.com Sports Reporter Steve Politi. Also, Republican State Senator Mike Testa joins us to discuss his push for a voter ID bill in New Jersey, and other legislative priorities.

On NJ Spotlight News, Anchor Joanna Gagis looks at how new technology is helping to identify victims of the September 11 attacks, 25 years later. Mark Desire, Assistant Director of Forensic Biology for the City of New York, Office of Chief Medical Examiner joins the program to discuss.  Plus, Rutgers oceanographers Joe Gradone and Corday Selden tell us about their research on how warming waters are impacting marine life . It’s back to school week for most students in the state - New Jersey Department of Education Commissioner Lily Laux joins us to talk cells phones and other technology in the classroom, and how the state’s school funding formula may finally be reworked.