Comment on Texas House OKs $302 billion budget that bans state funding for school choice. Here's why.

MIAMI GARDENS — You wonder what will motivate the Miami Dolphins (6-8) in Sunday’s game against San Francisco 49ers (6-8) at Hard Rock Stadium. The season, from where things stand now, will likely be judged as a disappointment, at best, and there’s a good chance it’ll be determined to be a disaster. Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver didn’t have any problems rattling off reasons the Dolphins should be motivated for their last three regular-season games — against San Francisco, at Cleveland and at the New York Jets. “This is our last home game, and our fans deserve our best effort,” Weaver began.

DOLPHINS (6-8) vs. 49ERS (6-8) Kickoff: 4:25 p.m., Sunday, Hard Rock Stadium TV: CBS (Ch. 4 in Miami-Dade, Broward counties; Ch. 12 in Palm Beach); RADIO: WBGG (105.9-FM), WINZ (940-AM), WTZU (94.9-FM, Spanish), Sirius XM Ch. 158 or 229; Palm Beach: ESPN (106.3 FM); WEFL (760-AM, Spanish) Coaches: The Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel is 26-24, including playoffs, in his third season as a head coach; 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan is 78-63, including playoffs, in his eighth season. Series: The Dolphins lead the all-time series, 8-7.

The holidays couldn’t have come at a better time for Pompano Beach. It means that the intense political passions of the moment will cool for a bit — maybe until New Year’s. One week ago in this space, I wrote about the city’s obvious “growing pains” as a new three-member and like-minded group of city commissioners exerted its power and blocked action on a whole series of agenda items at a meeting on Dec.

By Amanda Luhn, Food Drink Life Dreaming of a family ski trip but worried about sky-high prices? We’ve found seven ski resorts that keep costs low without sacrificing fun. From free passes for kids to budget-friendly lodging, these affordable skiing spots can help you plan a terrific winter adventure for your family without the hefty price tag. Bridger Bowl, Montana As a community-owned, nonprofit ski area, Bridger Bowl has some of the most affordable lift tickets around, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this is a small, beginner mountain.

By Kristen Wood, Food Drink Life The holiday season is a whirlwind of decorating, feasting and gifts. If you miss someone on your gift list or wait too long to go shopping, a homemade present can be the secret to a perfect gift. Try these quick and easy gifts that are sure to impress. Needing a last-minute gift can be a stressful moment in the midst of a busy holiday season.

Former ballerina Jessie-Sierra Ross — the voice behind the “Straight to the Hips, Baby” blog — knows a thing or two about the art of presenting something beautiful. Growing up, she writes, she loved helping her mom bake and observing icons like Julia Child and Martha Stewart make culinary magic. As her career into professional dancing progressed, she found that role complicated her relationship with food — she describes feeling like she had to deny herself decadence in what she ate, but she continued to develop an appreciation for plating and the artistry of a well-laid table. Jessie-Sierra Ross, blogger behind “Straight to the Hips, Baby” is the author of the new “Seasons Around the Table: Effortless Entertaining with Floral Tablescapes & Seasonal Recipes.” (Courtesy Jonathan Ross) Retiring from professional dancing gave her time to dig into cooking and hosting parties, where she found a winning formula.