UNDATED (AP) People around the world are expressing hope that 2009 will bring better times. They've been welcoming the new year with fireworks and bell ringing. Sydney, Australia, was the world's first major city to ring in 2009. Its harbor was showered with a kaleidoscope of light that drew cheers from more than a million people. In New York, thousands are gathered at Times Square despite temperatures well below freezing.

UNITED NATIONS (AP) Arab leaders are calling on the United Nations to help bring about an end to the violence in Gaza. They've called on the Security Council to get behind a legally binding and enforceable resolution demanding a cease-fire. Meanwhile, Israel is amassing forces on the border with Gaza for a possible ground assault.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) Defense officials say a record 151 U.S. forces died in Afghanistan in 2008, the deadliest year yet in a seven-year war that is likely to get even bloodier in 2009.

Thousands more American troops will be deployed. The number of roadside bombs doubled from the year before to roughly 2,000.

LOS ANGELES (AP) Last-ditch negotiations are under way between Time Warner Cable and Viacom over how much the cable company pays to carry channels such as MTV and Comedy Central. An agreement must be reached by midnight or shows such as "SpongeBob SquarePants" and "The Colbert Report" will be unavailable to about 15.7 million subscribers.

AMES, Iowa (AP) Four top-paid members of the athletics department at Iowa State University are giving up a week's salary to help the school with its budget cuts. The state is withdrawing $7 million in appropriations. The salary givebacks will save Iowa State more than $50,000.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-31-08 2146CST | save this article / add to your favorites list