[naviga:h3]Transit strike ends with tentative deal[/naviga:h3]

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia’s weeklong transit strike is over.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and the union representing about 4,700 transit workers announced a tentative agreement early Monday.

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Board Chairman Pasquale Deon said it is a fair deal that provides “wage increases, pension improvements, and maintains health care coverage levels while addressing rising costs.”

The five-year deal is still subject to ratification by union members and must be approved by the SEPTA board.

Samsung recalls washing machines

Nearly 3 million Samsung washing machines are being recalled in the U.S. following multiple injuries — including a broken jaw — due to “excessive vibration.”

The recall affects 34 models of washing machines manufactured between 2011 and this year. Samsung is offering free repairs, a rebate on the cost of a new machine or a full refund for machines purchased in the last 30 days.

[naviga:h3]Number of oil, gas rigs increases[/naviga:h3]

HOUSTON — The number of rigs exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. increased by 12 this week to 569. A year ago, 771 rigs were active. Depressed energy prices have sharply curtailed oil and gas exploration.

Houston oil field services company Baker Hughes Inc. said that 450 rigs sought oil and 117 explored for natural gas this week. Two were listed as miscellaneous.

The U.S. rig count peaked at 4,530 in 1981. It bottomed out in May at 404.