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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Buffalo-based rock band The Eaves released a new album on Nov. 4 and have scheduled the corresponding release show for Jan. 20 at Buffalo’s Mohawk Place.

The album, titled “Lately, I Don’t Have a God… And Other Obvious Epiphanies,” was recorded at GCR Audio. Roger Bryan and the Orphans and Passed Out will be opening for The Eaves at the Jan. 20 show.

“The record’s out, so please listen to the record,” said The Eaves’ frontman Chris Couche. “If you like it, tell a friend. It took us a long time to make it and we’re really proud of it, so we hope you like it.”

Music Monday: No Vacancy

Bassist Maurice “Mo” Halliday and guitarist Adam Clukey have known each other since childhood. They met Couche in high school, where they played together in a few bands.

“Long story short, we ended up coming back together 10 years or so later, and it’s just been a pretty organic process since, with writing and band dynamic.”

Halliday spoke on the writing process, speaking on influences of artists such as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

“I’m really big on songwriting,” he said. “Specifically, Tom Petty-style songwriting, so kind of a little bit of, ‘don’t bore us, get to the chorus,’ but we also like some of the edge of The Replacements and stuff like that. So it’s like loud guitars with more of that standard kind of tight structure.”

Halliday added that lyrically, the songs are more poetic, with Couche setting the tone.

“It’s everything you like, but then hopefully with our spin on it,” Couche said.

Music Monday: Amateur Hockey Club

How the band got its name: The name was taken from the song “Desperados Under the Eaves” by Warren Zevon.

What artists inspire The Eaves: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, The Replacements, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan

The Eaves favorite people to work with: Roger Bryan and the Orphans, Wild Once, Passed Out, Previous Love, Robbie Takac, Kyle Resnick, Jay Zubricky

Their favorite venues to play: Mohawk Place, Nietzsche’s, Town Ballroom

Their dream concert lineup:

Bruce Springsteen (4-hour set)Bill Clinton (on saxophone)The Eaves

Music Monday: We Were Blank

For more information about The Eaves and to check out their music, visit the following links:

Apple MusicSpotifyTwitterInstagramFacebookYouTubeWebsite

Music Monday #14 was filmed at Buffalo’s Mohawk Place, a downtown staple since 1990, which connects the community with young artists and live performances. To learn more about Mohawk Place, click here to visit the venue’s website.

Grand Island, N.Y. (WIVB) — Residents on Grand Island are not happy with the idea of a potential toll increase for the New York State Thruway. The Thruway Board of Directors will consider the rate hike at a meeting Monday.

The New York State Thruway Authority is putting the wheels in motion for a potential rate hike. It was revealed a proposal calls for a 5 percent price increase for E-ZPass holders beginning in 2024. that includes another 5 percent jump in 2027.

People like Karen Mahoney are not happy.

“It seems like it’s always being taken out of our pockets and I think they should find another way to fund the roads,” said Mahoney.

“I just shake my head at that because in the past they would take that away, they would take the tolls away and we were all hoping for that,” Mahoney added. “The opposite is happening, now they’re increasing it and it’s making us a little bit more angrier.”

New York proposes a Thruway toll price hike

The biggest hit to the wallet would be for those without an E-ZPass. Right now, it costs those who pay by mail 30 percent more than the E-ZPass rate. Under the proposal, that would jump to a 75 percent differential.

It would be the first increase since 2010.

Roger Greinert is worried a toll hike might turn away visitors from the Island.

“I’m upset with anyone who is trying to propose increases,” Greinert told News 4.

“I’m sure there’s other places that they could do that, that would have less impact on the people,” he added.

Niagara Pride hosts safety forum in wake of deadly Colorado Springs gay club shooting

The Authority said the increase is needed to pay off debt and keep up with infrastructure improvements.

The proposal faces a lengthy public hearing and approval process if it moves forward.

SANBORN, N.Y. (WIVB) — Safety is top of mind for members of the LGBTQ+ community in the wake of the Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs. Five people were killed and 25 injured on that horrific day.

Niagara Pride hosted a safety forum at Niagara County Community College.

Ronald Piaseczny is the president of Niagara Pride. He’s seen a national upswing in hate-fueled crimes against LGBTQ+ people and says it can be isolating for many.

“To speak and share their thoughts, their concerns, have an opportunity to kind of voice what they’re thinking with regards to violence against the LGBTQ+ community,” Piaseczny said.

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Amanda Pollard attended the forum. She says having these discussions are important in furthering the acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.

“LGBT people are members of our community and deserve the protection and dignity and respect that everyone else would want to receive,” Pollard added.

Several community agencies were on hand to share safety tips and resources.

The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office provided a one-hour active shooter training.

“Any community who right now is feeling marginalized, victimized by what we’re seeing across the nation, it’s important to engage law enforcement,” said Piaseczny.

Owner of gay club: Shooting comes amid a new ‘type of hate’

“When people show up here, like the department, like our local sheriff’s office — it’s a visual statement that ‘I am here, I support you and I care about you.'” added Susan Frawley, Board Member, Niagara Pride.

The president of Niagara Pride added that LGBTQ+ people in rural communities often struggle to reach out for help. Those in need of support can find a list of services, email info@niagarapride.org.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — One person was killed in a shooting on Lang and Ericson Avenues early Saturday morning, according to police.

Officers responded to the call just after 2 a.m. Saturday, where the 25-year-old male victim was shot multiple times. He was declared dead at the scene.

The incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call or text the confidential TIPCALL line at 716-847-2255.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Due to the high wind warning on Saturday, the Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting scheduled for Saturday night has been postponed.

Organizers are working to reschedule the event for Saturday, December 10. Details will be shared when available.

The event is still set to be held at the Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza at Main and Chippewa Streets.

WARSAW, N.Y. (WIVB) — Two men are fighting for their lives after slamming into the library at Warsaw Central School on Friday.

Authorities say one man ran a stop sign, t-boned another truck and then both crashed into the building. Police say the truck was going 80 mph at the time of impact after he started accelerating but couldn’t slow down.

Both men were taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC and Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

The library was full of first graders, but nobody inside was hurt.

The accident is still under investigation.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Buffalo teenager pleaded guilty on Thursday to assault charges after stabbing a fellow student at a Buffalo culinary school, the Erie County District Attorney’s office announced Friday.

A 16-year-old female pleaded guilty to second-degree assault charges relating to the stabbing.

At approximately 12:14 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2022, the defendant stabbed a 17-year-old female victim multiple times during a fight in a restroom at the Buffalo School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management on Huron Street in Buffalo.

The victim was taken by ambulance to Oishei Children’s Hospital where she spent two days for treatment for multiple stab wounds to her backside. She continues to recover from her injuries.

Teen arraigned after stabbing at Buffalo School of Culinary Arts

The defendant is scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 4, 2023. She faces a maximum of seven years in prison, if denied youthful offender status. If granted that status, she faces a maximum of one and one-third to four years of incarceration. She continues to be held without bail and a temporary order of protection on behalf of the victim remains in effect.

“I want the youth in our community to understand that there are serious consequences to engaging in any criminal behavior – especially inside of a school. This violent behavior will not be tolerated and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases in Youth Part,” Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn said.

Three charged in contraband incidents at Erie County Holding Center

Wondering where you can catch a tree lighting ceremony this December? Here’s a list of times and dates when and where you can enjoy the holiday tradition:

Genesee Keg Tree – 6:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2 at The Genesee Brew HouseFairgrounds Festival of Lights – 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2, at the Hamburg FairgroundsDowntown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration – 6 p.m., Saturday Dec. 3 at the Rotary Rink The Tree of Light – 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Martin HouseWest Seneca Community Center & Library – 6:45 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3 at the center

Made In America store to host “American Christmas” event

Other festivities

Fairgrounds Festival of Lights – Dec. 2-4, 9-11 and 16-23. Gates open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.Santa visits Artcraft Toy Trains in the Village of Hamburg – 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 3Erie Canal Holiday Market – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10Hofbräuhaus Buffalo Christkindlmarkt – Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 3-18. Open 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Galleria to let customers in earlier as holidays approach

To add tree lighting ceremonies and holiday events, email newsroom@wivb.com.