TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran's president has defended an interim nuclear deal reached with world powers last month that eases some sanctions in return for a halt to parts of the Islamic Republic's uranium enrichment program, saying improving the economy is as important as maintaining a peaceful nuclear program.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — After cold rain and winds lashed the Southwest and other parts of the country Friday, millions of residents hunkered down for icy conditions expected to last through the weekend as the cold snap was forecast to continue causing problems and trekking northeast.

Veteran rapper Jay-Z topped nominees for the 2014 Grammys with nine nods, while Taylor Swift and Daft Punk were also among those in the running in major categories. But Jay-Z other major stars including Justin Timberlake failed to score any nominations in the major categories, which saw a mixture of rap and pop in the running for the top honors at music's equivalent of the Oscars next month. In second place with seven nods apiece were California hip hop star Kendrick Lamar and rapper Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, as well as Justin Timberlake and Pharrell Williams, while rapper Drake scored five.