Marrying a Shia

Q: I am 27 years old, financially independent, interested in a girl and want to get married. My parents disagree because she is a Shia and I am a Sunni. I have tried to convince them a lot, get elders involved but they don't listen. The girl I want to marry perfectly matches the criteria of my parents even the caste but they have reservations over the sect. The main issue is what will the family or people say and we will be a joke that we married you to a Shia girl. They have said it multiple times that socially we can't face people and hence we won't marry you. I am forcing them on it and they said they won't be a part of it but will give duas and stuff but can't be a part of it. I want my parents to be happily involved in it but they want to marry me of to their choice especially my mother. They say parents have a right. Please tell me what to do and what is the Islamic ruling on it.

Marrying one's step brother's daughter

Q: I have a step brother (same father, different mother), one of his daughters have been recently widowed. I myself am divorced recently as well. A few people have raised a question about us getting married since my widowed niece is just half niece.

I am clear on the ruling based on Quran (Chapter 4, Ayat 23) that this not allowed.

Can I please request guidance on this please?