The Associated Press

Action on releasing information about Illinois gun permits is being postponed until a court finishes reviewing the issue.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office said Friday it will halt all procedural steps on its ruling that the names of people with Firearm Owner Identification cards should be made public.

A Peoria court has issued a restraining order barring release of the information.

Missouri House members have approved legislation expanding the state's concealed gun laws.

The measure would lower Missouri's minimum age for getting a permit to carry a concealed gun from 23 to 21 years old. It also would allow legislative staff members and statewide elected officials who have permits to carry concealed guns in the Capitol.

Lawmakers who have permits already can bring a concealed weapon to their meetings.

The legislation was approved 117-38 on Thursday. It now goes to the Senate.

Gov. Pat Quinn says he plans to seek higher fees on power generator Exelon Corp. to ensure the safety of Illinois nuclear power plants in the aftermath of Japan's nuclear crisis.

Quinn says he met with state emergency management officials on Wednesday to discuss the safety of the state's 11 nuclear reactors.

He says the events in Japan show the need to review the safety of the plants.

The Missouri Senate has passed legislation that would prevent employees from suing co-workers for on-the-job injuries.

The measure also states that some occupational diseases, including those caused by asbestos exposure, would be covered by the state's workers' compensation system.

Updated 4:10 p.m. March 17, 2011 with Gov. Quinn's comments.

Gov. Pat Quinn says he opposes a package of budget cuts proposed by Illinois Senate Republicans.

The Chicago Democrat said Thursday the "foolhardy" cuts would kills jobs and weaken the economy just as Illinois recovers from a recession.

The Republican plan includes cuts to education, health care and local government. They estimate the savings at $6.7 billion.

The two biggest pieces are the most difficult.