FINALLY

Smithsonian: Paul Risser, who oversees research operations at the University of Oklahoma, was named acting director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History on Friday. He replaces museum director Cristian Samper, who was named acting secretary of the Smithsonian Institution after the resignation of Lawrence Small this week.

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Sing on: Anne Tomlinson, artistic director of Los Angeles Children’s Chorus since 1995, has signed a five-year contract to continue in the post through the 2011-12 season.