Today we're looking for the German city that inspired the musical Cabaret, which premiered 40 years ago this month.

The World's Gerry Hadden reports on an issue that worries many people in the Baltic nation of Latvia. That is the influx of Russians. Almost half of Latvia's population is ethnic Russian -- a legacy of Latvia's complex history as a Russian neighbor. But many Latvian politicians worry that MORE Russians could come and upset the balance.

The World's Mary Kay Magistad reports on an ethnic minority in China called the Miao. The Miao's history and culture date back at least 4,500 years. But the current generation of Miao is leaving the villages for the cities. Some of those left behind are wondering how to preserve their culture.

Authorities in Moscow have been increasingly using force in an attempt to squash the radical Islamic insurgency in Dagestan, the Muslim republic in Russia's southwest. However, correspondent Kelly McEvers tells anchor Lisa Mullins that regional officals are now pushing for a more moderate approach.

Report and extended interview (mp3, 13:38)

NATO members met in Latvia today to discuss the role of alliance troops in Afghanistan. Anchor Lisa Mullins discusses the challenges facing the NATO countries there with Marvin Weinbaum of the Washington-based Middle East Institute.

For today's Global Hit The World's Ann Lopez finds out how some of the latest sounds from Britain's South Asian underground music scene found a regular slot on a college radio station in Boston.

Today's answer is Todtnau, Germany, a town that recently celebrated the invention of the perm by Karl Nessler 100 years ago. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Nessler's grandson, Robert, about that little-known episode in hair-care history.

The Bush administration has lifted a four-year ban on military-to-military training between the United States and Latin American and Caribbean countries. In those four years, China has stepped up its role in that region. The World's Katy Clark reports.

Our daily geography puzzler.