John Brennan, President Obama's choice to lead the CIA, can look forward to a grilling Thursday on Capitol Hill. As Obama's chief counterterrorism adviser, he has been associated with some controversial policies, including the use of armed drones. Brennan's nomination comes before the Senate Intelligence Committee, and members from both parties have their questions ready.

On our audio diary series The Big Break, our emerging performers learn and teach some unique history lessons.Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks gets fitted for costumes for the upcoming production of "Romeo and Juliet" and takes us on a tour of the costume shop. Actors Theatre of Louisville apprentice Samantha Beach uses Roman history to write a play in 24 hours, and Kentucky Opera studio artist Brad Raymond goes on tour to local schools, teaching American history through song.

President Obama directed the Justice Department late Wednesday to give Congress access to classified information that details the rationale for targeted strikes against U.S. citizens believed to have links to al-Qaida.

NPR's Carrie Johnson is reporting on the story for our Newscast Unit. She says the decision comes after Senators threatened to hold up nominees for the CIA and Pentagon. Here's more from her report:

FRANKFORT — Gov. Steve Beshear is encouraging lawmakers to take bold stances in reforming the state's tax code,  before past budget decisions and cuts cripple Kentucky.

Beshear made the pleas Wednesday night in his annual State of the Commonwealth address.

(Read the State of the Commonwealth address.)

Gov. Steve Beshear's 2013 State of the Commonwealth address as written:

FRANKFORT — Saying the push for industrial help may help their  cause in the future, supporters of a bill establishing a comprehensive system for medical marijuana in Kentucky rallied Wednesday in the Capitol Annex.

FRANKFORT—  Kentucky legislators and community leaders on Wednesday honored an athlete and an academic during the 10th annual Black History Month Celebration at the Capitol.

The 2013 Black History Month celebration honoree was Wilbur Louis Hackett Jr., a groundbreaking football player. He was also the 2011 Kentucky Black Sports Hall of Fame inductee who state Sen. Gerald Neal, of Louisville, said "epitomizes all that is good about sports."

Looking to cut back on the calories in your cocktail by mixing, say, diet soda and rum? Well, get ready for the buzz.

According to the results of a new study, this combination will leave you drunker than if you'd mixed the liquor with a sugary, caloric mixer.

Indiana lawmakers held a lengthy hearing today on a bill that would allow Sunday retail alcohol sales.

The measure before the House Public Policy Committee would broaden a state law that currently restricts Sunday sales to restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries.

John Elliott spoke on behalf of the Kroger Company and the Indiana Retail Council Board.   He says customers are being inconvenienced, retailers are losing money and the state is missing out on tax revenue under the current law.