AUGUSTA — Gun-rights activists say concerns about safety and privacy are reason enough to make the data in concealed-weapon permits private. So far, they’re winning the argument with state lawmakers. Last week, the Legislature invoked a constitutional emergency to shield such data temporarily. Another debate looms on a proposal to make it private permanently.

SKOWHEGAN — Workers at a local greenhouse and flower shop were picking up the pieces Thursday after they say a pickup truck slammed into the building, smashing the wall and sending glass and ceramic merchandise flying.

FAIRFIELD — A Fairfield police officer who caused an accident in January when making a U-turn in pursuit of a speeding car on U.S. Route 201 should not be cited with a motor vehicle infraction, an assistant attorney general said Thursday.

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — Benedict XVI left the Catholic Church in unprecedented limbo Thursday as he became the first pope in 600 years to resign, capping a tearful day of farewells that included an extraordinary pledge of obedience to his successor.