BUSINESS

MANCHESTER - State officials went to federal court yesterday to force into bankruptcy two troubled Meredith financial firms, claiming that sole shareholders Scott Farah of Financial Resources and Donald Dodge of C L and M have abandoned their businesses.

> Troubled mortgage firm under water

CONCORD - Pan Am Systems president contends Rep. Peter Leishman used his influence to extend Milford rail lease.

NASHUA - Pan Am Railways President David Fink says it's too early to speculate what caused Tuesday's wreck. New Hampshire Rail Authority chair Peter Burling wonders whether there was a defect in the Pan Am track.

MANCHESTER - Four state agencies are coordinating efforts to enforce laws that require most workers to be classified as employees and not as independent contractors.

Airlines plan to use surcharges to target fuel costs, peak days.