FINALLY

Book prize: Barbara Ehrenreich, author of the book “Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America,” has won the 2004 Puffin/Nation Prize for “socially responsible work” that challenges the status quo. The award, given by the Puffin Foundation Ltd. of New Jersey and the Nation Institute, carries a $100,000 cash prize.

Record deal: Latoya London, one of the contestants on last season’s “American Idol,” has signed a contract with independent label Peak Records and is expected to release a CD next summer.

New job: Peter Boal, a principal dancer with New York City Ballet, has been named artistic director of the Pacific Northwest Ballet, beginning July 1.