The IRS made headlines this week with a quiet but significant policy shift: Churches can now formally endorse political candidates without risking their tax-exempt status. At first glance, this looks like a monumental change in the balance between religion and politics.

The IRS has issued a request to taxpayers with extensions for their 2024 federal tax returns to file them in the summer months.

Shannon Ellis, head of the union that represents Kansas City IRS employees, said the Trump administration won’t even confirm how many local federal workers have been lost. But she said that the layoffs and policy changes are demoralizing and delaying critical services.

"Ours is not a blue or red diocese, but a purple one, and above all, a Christian one." 2 News Oklahoma's Braden Bates shares what led to the 70-year-old rule change.

An IRS clarification on churches endorsing political candidates to their congregations draws praise, concern from local religious leaders

Is that the real IRS trying to reach out to you or is it a scammer? Here’s how South Carolina taxpayers can tell the difference.

By interpreting political discussions during worship as private conversations, the IRS creates a loophole that will lead to organizations seeking tax breaks in exchange for political support and introduce hidden sources of money into elections.