Far from the white Christmas that some students went home to, Los Angeles saw high temperatures in the 80s over winter break. For those who weren’t in Southern California for the holidays, the following is a major recap of the news that happened.

Dec. 15: UC reaches tentative agreement with an employees’ union: The University of California reached another of several collective bargaining agreements with a union representing UC.

Dec. 17: UC President Napolitano to lead U.S. athletes at Olympics opening ceremony: It was announced that University of California President Janet Napolitano will lead the U.S. delegation at the opening ceremony for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. The delegation will include tennis player Billie Jean King and figure skater Brian Boitano.

Dec. 19: Court reaches decision on Reuters suit against UC: A state appeals court ruled that the University of California does not have to disclose information on its investments with two firms, since it does not have access to that information. The ruling concerned a case in which Reuters claimed that the University was required to reveal this information under the California Public Records Act.

Dec. 19: Blue Devils dominate Bruins in second half: Playing on national television at Madison Square Garden, the UCLA men’s basketball team kept pace with then-No. 8 Duke and went into halftime tied. However, the Bruins struggled in the second half as Duke freshman forward Jabari Parker took over the game. UCLA eventually lost 80-63.

Dec. 20: Animal rights group files lawsuit demanding UCLA research records: Stop Animal Exploitation Now, an animal rights group, demanded that UCLA release records of how it treats animal subjects in its research. UCLA responded by saying that the release of such information has led to violent and criminal acts against UCLA researchers in the past by animal rights activists.

Dec. 26: Obama signs federal budget: President Barack Obama signs a budget that eases previously planned sequester cuts by $63 billion. The budget reduces the federal deficit by $85 billion by instituting an airport security tax and collecting more fees from companies whose insurance is guaranteed by the federal government. Congress still needs to decide how to allocate money in the budget to different agencies and programs.

Dec. 30: UC President Napolitano denounces academic boycott of Israel: University of California President Janet Napolitano said that an academic organization’s recent boycott of Israeli universities and scholars threatens academic freedom and the free exchange of ideas. UCLA Chancellor Gene Block also released a statement denouncing the boycott.

Dec. 31: UCLA defense holds down Virginia Tech offense in 42-12 win: Redshirt sophomore quarterback Brett Hundley had a standout performance in the Bruins’ Sun Bowl win. Hundley ran for 161 yards and two touchdowns while throwing for 226 yards and another two touchdowns. Hundley shared co-MVP honors with senior inside linebacker Jordan Zumwalt, who had 10 tackles and an interception.

Compiled by Kristen Taketa and Kevin Bowman, Bruin senior staff.

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