Biggest news you missed this weekend
William Shatner defends absence from Leonard Nimoy's funeral
After avoiding social media (and the old-fashioned kind) for most of the last day, William Shatner reappeared on Twitter to explain in advance why he won't be at Leonard Nimoy's funeral Sunday. He says he's in Florida fulfilling a previous commitment to appear at a Red Cross function and can't make it back in time. Nimoy, who died Friday at age 83, played scores of roles in a showbiz career which lasted more than six decades, but he will be remembered and loved as a character known simply as Spock. He gave heart, soul and humanity to the Vulcan officer on the USS Enterprise, first in the 1960s Star Trek TV series and later in movies. With his stark bowl haircut, the famous Vulcan hand gesture (which Nimoy developed) and the phrase "Live long and prosper," Nimoy's Mr. Spock earned a place in the American psyche that will live on.
Thousands march to mourn slain Boris Nemtsov
Tens of thousands of people marched in the sleet Sunday through central Moscow to mourn slain Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, gunned down just steps away from the Kremlin. Nemtsov's death is a "critical turning point for Russia," said one of the rally's organizers, Gennady Gudkov, a former member of parliament who was kicked out in 2012 because of his opposition activity. "Either something starts getting better in this country, or it could go the way of more (political assassinations and repressions.)" Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom Nemtsov staunchly criticized in the past, condemned Friday's killing and took personal control of the investigation.
Ronda Rousey defeats Cat Zingano at UFC 184 to stay unbeaten
On Saturday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ronda Rousey fought Cat Zingano as the main card in the highly-anticipated UFC 184. Both MMA stars put their undefeated records on the line in the contest. Rousey came out on top in a mere 14 seconds. And how'd she do it? With an armbar, of course. You can watch it go down here. Rousey is now 11-0 in her MMA career.
CPAC: Rand Paul edges Scott Walker in straw poll
Rand Paul won a high-profile straw poll for a third straight year Saturday, capping an annual conservative conference at which delegates argued about how to turn their ideas into a presidential victory in 2016. The Kentucky senator carried 25.7% in the Conservative Political Action Conference poll, while Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker finished second with 21.4% — a closer-than-expected tally in this early test of political strength among conservative Republican activists.
Former NBA player Anthony Mason dies at 48
Anthony Mason, the rugged power forward who was a defensive force in the NBA from the 1990s into the early 21st century, has died. He was 48. New York Knicks spokesman Jonathan Supranowitz confirmed Mason's death, which was first reported Saturday by the New York Daily News. Mason had suffered a heart attack earlier in February. On Saturday the Knicks held a moment of silence to honor Mason.
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