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NPR'S John Burnett offers a special report on Scientology -- the self-help philosophy invented by the late science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. In a little more than 40-years, Scientology has evolved into a full-fledged religion, complete with a federal tax exemption, a rich and famous membership, and an international chorus of critics. Based in Los Angeles, the Church of Scientology aggressively uses lawsuits and private detectives to attack opponents and protect its secrets, while courting public goodwill through social service outreach. This report examines Scientology's beliefs and practices and explores what constitutes a 'real' religion. Burnett talks with church members, former church members, and individuals in the church hierarchy about this often-misunderstood group, and what the controversies surrounding the Church of Scientology say about how religions are established and recognized. (22:00) FUNDER 0:29 CUTAWAY 0:59 =========================SECOND HOUR======================= BILLBOARD :59 NEWS 2:59 NEWS 1:59 THEME MUSIC 0:29 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2A

Former Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke will be released from prison on Feb. 3, according to reports.

The Supreme Court came close to virtually overturning Roe v. Wade, according to papers of the late Justice Harry Blackmun released Thursday. The papers reveal Justice Anthony Kennedy played a key role in that battle, and that Blackmun accused Chief Justice William Rehnquist of playing politics in timing the 1992 case that sought to overturn Roe. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports.

But the Justice Department's Inspector General says officials still need to watch how they spend taxpayers' money at conferences. And it hasn't changed its findings about $5 sodas, $32 snack breaks and $8 cups of coffee.

Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported that rescuers found three people near the crash site, but their condition is unknown.

Tennessee is expected to be second for the lowest amount of solar installed by 2027 compared to six other Southeastern states, according to a new report by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.

A lone cheerleader made it to the basketball tournament and did her routine courtside, WSB-TV reports. Coleman Middle School was between games, so their squad joined in and kept her company.

More than 100 homes were damaged after a tornado touched down in a residential area outside Houston. Authorities said Monday that no injuries were reported.

Ava Gilberg-Stroud picked up the drums at a young age to feel closer to her dad. She interviewed him to learn about how he first got into music for the PBS News Student Reporting Labs.

Shortly after departing the Virginia airport on Saturday, the Tokyo-bound plane's engine cover separated and caught fire, according to the transportation secretary. No injuries were reported.