New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray

With summer in full swing, Jackie Bray, commissioner of the state’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, says her team has ramped up its efforts to protect New Yorkers.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced this week that 38 Ports of Entry along the border with Canada will adjust their hours in January. Officials in New York state are not pleased about the reductions at a time when illegal crossings are increasing.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed six laws aimed at reducing gun violence.The Democrat was joined by former Arizona Congresswoman and gun safety advocate Gabby Giffords for a bill signing ceremony on Wednesday. The latest actions by the governor come as her office says gun violence is down 47 percent since she took office in 2021.To learn more about the new gun laws and how the state measures gun crime, WAMC spoke with New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray.

As August comes to a close, officials in New York State are getting ready for National Preparedness Month in September, and they want residents to have a plan for when bad weather or tragedy strikes. New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Commissioner Jackie Bray says you can't wait for an emergency to plan. WAMC spoke with Bray this week.