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Asia scrambles to conserve energy Asian countries are racing to save energy and shield consumers as the war on Iran disrupts oil and gas flows. Since Feb. 28, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed sharply and energy prices climbed. Experts at the U.N. and other groups warn the shock hit Asia hardest because it depends on imported fuel. Japan tapped stockpiles as gasoline prices rise. South Korea leaned on reserves and expanded coal and nuclear power. China has used big reserves and more renewables, but travel costs are rising. Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines ...

Briefcase: Sheetz plans to hire 500 employees

Sheetz announced immediate plans Wednesday to hire 500 employees in Pennsylvania. Sheetz will be hosting hiring events with on-the-spot interviews at each of its 315 Pennsylvania locations from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 25 as part of a broader hiring effort taking place at all of its more than 810 locations across its seven-state footprint. In total, the company aims to hire 1,540 employees company-wide. Sheetz is focused on hiring store team members, supervisors and assistant managers. Candidates interested in attending a hiring event will need to apply for a store position online at ...

Briefcase: Business news of local interest

Rita’s marks spring Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard will celebrate the first day of spring on Friday with a free 6-ounce Italian ice giveaway to guests at all 600-plus locations nationwide. Rita’s expects to serve approximately 1 million cups of its signature Italian ice during the annual spring tradition. Available just in time for spring, Rita’s is teaming up with the iconic marshmallow treat brand Peeps to introduce a new Mystery Peeps flavor. The limited time offering is launching on March 20. Local Rita’s locations can be found at: 3415 Pleasant Valley Blvd., ...

Briefcase

Sheetz marking Pi Day Sheetz is celebrating National Pi Day, March 14, by offering customers specially priced $3.14 cheese or pepperoni pizza flatz. This special offer is available through March 20. This promotion can only be redeemed through the Sheetz app. Customers must add the offer under the Offerz tab in the Sheetz app to redeem it at any of Sheetz’s 810-plus locations. STATE COLLEGE New Chipotle opening Chipotle Mexican Grill is opening a new location in State College at 1880 S. Atherton St. on Wednesday, March 18. The restaurant features the brand’s signature ...

Stocks hit best day since Iran war

NEW YORK — A drop in oil prices on Monday helped send the U.S. stock market to its best day since the war in Iran began. The S&P 500 climbed 1% for its biggest gain in five weeks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 387 points, or 0.8%, and the Nasdaq composite jumped 1.2%. The driver for markets once again was the price of oil. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude fell 5.3% to settle at $93.50, easing some pressure off the economy after topping $102 earlier in the morning. Brent crude, the international standard, fell 2.8% to $100.21 per barrel after earlier getting as high as ...

Ticker

Storms cancel more US flights amid TSA struggles Storms sweeping across the eastern half of the country are disrupting air travel across the United States. FlightAware reported more than 4,200 U.S. flights canceled Monday and about 9,600 others delayed. The storms already dumped heavy snow across parts of the Midwest and were moving toward the East Coast with strong winds and the threat of tornadoes. The travel disruptions come during a busy period for airports, with spring break vacations and fans traveling for March Madness games. Meanwhile, a partial government shutdown affecting ...