SAME SEX MARRIAGE (Shutterstock).

In a major change in the Catholic Church, Pope Francis on Monday announced approval of the blessing of same-sex couples by priests.

Such blessings should be conducted in a way that they did not resemble marriage of heterosexuals, it was stipulated. Additionally, those blessings could not be used at the same time as a civil union – legal marriages not performed by clergy – or use rituals and other aspects common to opposite-sex marriages.

The document announcing the change stated, “Those seeking a blessing should not be required to have prior moral perfection.”

Pope Francis has reached out to the LGBTQ community since becoming head of the Catholic Church. His efforts have brought acclaim but also criticism from conservatives who consider homosexuality a sin or crime, but also from gays who feel the pope’s policy keeps same-sex unions in a status inferior to other marriages.

Nippon Steel to buy U.S. Steel

US Steel (Wikipedia).

One of the most iconic of American manufacturers, U.S. Steel, will be purchased by Nippon Steel for $14.1 billion. Once combined, the two steelmakers will be among the three leading steel companies worldwide.

China is the world’s leader in steel production, turning out about 54 percent annually.

U.S. Steel will continue with its headquarters in Pittsburgh and will retain its name, although it will become a subsidiary of Nippon Steel. The new owners are pledging to honor all collective bargaining agreements with unions at U.S. Steel.

Texas police, sheriffs may arrest illegals

A controversial new law authorizing people crossing into the state illegally to be arrested by local law enforcement officers was signed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday.

The surge of migrants from Mexico and the rest of Latin America has created a political crisis for President Joe Biden. Others say the new law is unconstitutional and – if enforced – would swamp already-crowded jails and prisons.

The law will go into effect in March and is likely to be challenged in the courts.

Weather: Showers on the way

Showers and then rain are in the forecast for our West Orange County area through Friday. Tuesday is expected to have showers with a daytime high of 64 with an overnight low of 58. More showers are forecast on Wednesday, with a high of 67. Thursday should be louder with rain and thunder and a high of 65 (55). Friday is forecast for rain with temps of 65 and 52.