* AG’s investigating Anheuser-Busch, Miller Brewing marketing practices

Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. was subpoenaed by attorneys general from several states for information about the sales and marketing of its caffeinated alcoholic drinks Tilt and Bud Extra, the company confirmed Wednesday.

* Smoking exemptions for veterans voted down; more here

Two pieces of legislation aimed at allowing veterans to be able to light up in private clubs such as VFW posts and American Legion halls went up in smoke Wednesday.

The House Environmental Health Committee struck down House bills 4333 and 4104 that would have created exemptions to Illinois’ new law banning indoor smoking.

* Durbin urges law giving FDA power over tobacco industry

* The straight dope on CTA pension and retiree health care reform

* 36 Illinois groups on ‘pet’ list for after-school grants

* Cook County Board chief takes aim at critics; more here

The first-term leader accused three Democrats critical of his administration of playing games with the vital public health-care services as the board met nine days before a deadline to pass this year’s budget.

* Bolingbrook to get new library and Romeoville to get renovated one with $48.6 million approved by voters

* Budget director getting shower installed in City Hall office

“I think allocating public resources to install a shower in a city office would be totally inappropriate, especially given the budget challenges that this City Council has had to struggle with,” said Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd), who was among those who voted against the spending plan. “However, if Mr. Johnson is willing to pay that tab out of his own pocket … I don’t have a problem with that.”