Highlights Archive

President Donald Trump Address to Congress • WXXI-TV and WXXI News

President Trump will address a joint session of Congress on March 4, the first in his second presidency.

President Donald Trump Address to Congress airs Tuesday, March 4 at 9 p.m. on WXXI- and WXXI News.

Co-anchored by Amna Nawaz and Geoff Bennett, PBS News coverage will include the president’s speech, the Democratic response, and analysis from the PBS News team.

NPR’s Live Special Coverage of Trump’s address will include his speech and the Democratic Party response followed by analysis. Airing on WXXI News and streaming on WXXINews.org.

Independent Lens “Bike Vessel” • WXXI-TV

Father and son bond on an ambitious 350-mile bike ride in this portrait of familial love.

Independent Lens “Bike Vessel” airs Monday, February 24 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Knowing his dad miraculously recovered from three open-heart surgeries after discovering a passion for cycling, filmmaker Eric D. Seals proposes an ambitious idea: Bike together from St. Louis to Chicago. 350 miles. 4 days. On their journey, the two push each other as they find a deeper connection and a renewed appreciation of their quests for their own health and to reimagine Black health.

Watch the trailer and learn more about the film.

Andrea Bocelli 30th – The Celebration • WXXI-TV

Experience the world-renowned Italian tenor’s 30th anniversary concert from Tuscany

Andrea Bocelli 30th – The Celebration airs Friday, February 28 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

Featuring global superstars Ed Sheeran, David Foster, Katharine McPhee, Sofia Carson, Brian May, Jon Batiste and more. Directed by Grammy nominee and Emmy winner Sam Wrench.

Nature “Museum Alive with David Attenborough” • WXXI-TV

Sir David Attenborough explores London’s Natural History Museum and meets some of the most extraordinary creatures from the past.

Nature “Museum Alive with David Attenborough” airs Sunday, February 23 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV

A landmark documentary fulfills the long-held dreams of David Attenborough by bringing the incredible pantheon of the London Natural History Museum’s long-extinct creatures to life. Using a groundbreaking collaboration of cutting-edge science and astounding CGI, Attenborough takes us on a magical after-hours journey through the museum to see the now-living exhibits as they looked when they roamed the planet.

One evening, David Attenborough slips past the security guards deep into London’s Natural History Museum. Now locked in, he witnesses something extraordinary: long-extinct creatures burst to life, turning from fossils to living, breathing and walking beasts. The historic museum building, with its romanesque columns, great arches and spiral towers, becomes the playground of these fascinating creatures. This adventure takes Attenborough on an enchanting journey through time where he comes face-to-face with a saber-toothed tiger, witnesses the terrifying descent of a giant predatory bird, escapes the coils of a colossal snake, and befriends a giant dinosaur, the Diplodocus. Along the way he reveals the very latest scientific insights into these extinct creatures and how our understanding of them has changed over time.

With Heart and Voice: Black History Month • WXXI Classical

Host Peter DuBois explores music of African American composers of choral and organ music, as well as the riches of the Spiritual tradition.

With Heart and Voice: Black History Month airs Sunday, February 16 at 8 a.m. and again at 7 p.m. on WXXI Classical

The Lincoln Jubilee was a 1915 festival held in Chicago, that celebrated the 50th anniversary of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, and led the founding of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), and eventually to the creation of Black History Month. This week we’ll celebrate with the American Spiritual Ensemble, the Harlem Spiritual Ensemble, Jessye Norman, and the St. Olaf Choir.

Black History Month: Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: Black Heroes & PBS KIDS specials

Celebrate Black History Month with Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum! Join Xavier, Yadina, and Brad as they travel back in time to meet incredible Black heroes who changed the world. In this special livestream, kids will learn about courage, resilience, and the importance of setting and achieving goals. The episodes focus on influential figures like Jackie Robinson, Maya Angelou, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Thurgood Marshall, Jesse Owens, and Ella Fitzgerald. It’s a fun, educational journey through history that empowers young viewers to understand the legacy of these trailblazers! Featured Episodes: I Am Jackie Robinson I Am Maya Angelou / I Am Frederick Douglass I Am Harriet Tubman I Am Rosa Parks / I Am Thurgood Marshall I Am Jesse Owens / I Am Ella Fitzgerald Tune in for an unforgettable adventure that celebrates history and helps young minds understand the values of resilience, courage, and determination!

Watch Playlist of Full Episodes:

Play games and watch full episodes of Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum on https://pbskids.org/xavier

Explore the PBS LearningMedia Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum Collection

Learn more at the PBS KIDS for Parents Xavier Riddle & and Secret Museum

Watch PBS KIDS Black History Month Playlist

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with PBS KIDS

Make this Valentine’s Day extra special by spending it with your favorite PBS KIDS characters. Share sweet moments and important lessons about love, kindness, and friendship with Daniel Tiger, Pinkalicious, Molly of Denali, Arthur, Peg+Cat, Nature Cat, Super Why, Word World and more! Watch the Playlist Above.

Watch More PBS KIDS Specials

Watch more PBS KIDS videos

Valentine’s Arts & Crafts

Printable cards and more Valentine’s Day Crafts

Valentine’s Games

Play Valentines Themed Games

Sesame Street Valentine Playlist

A message from Chris Hastings

As we mark the 60-day milestone of my arrival and our “Bringing Us Together” campaign, I want to take a moment to reflect on what I’ve learned in my short time here in Rochester. This is a special community — one that values how WXXI shows up every day. You count on us to provide fact-based, balanced journalism, quality entertainment for the whole family, and educational opportunities that bring us together and keep us whole — no matter what our political ideology is.

We do this work because Rochester deserves it. Because you deserve it.

But right now, public media — including WXXI — is facing one of its greatest challenges. Federal funding, which has long helped sustain local public media stations like ours, is at risk. Proposed budget cuts and funding freezes threaten our ability to continue delivering the trusted news, cultural programming, and lifelong learning opportunities that serve every corner of this community.

In a world increasingly divided by partisanship, WXXI stands as a rare and essential space that serves everyone — on radio, television, digital platforms, and in person. We are a vital part of Rochester’s civic and cultural life, and we need your help to ensure we remain strong.

I’m asking you to share your story. Tell us what WXXI means to you. Your voice matters, and your testimonials can help protect the future of public media. Visit Protect My Public Media to add your voice and learn how you can advocate for continued federal support.

Now more than ever, our community needs a trusted source for news, storytelling, and connection. And together, we can make sure WXXI continues to be that source. Thank you for believing in us.

Warm regards,

Chris Hastings
President & CEO
WXXI Public Media