New year arrives...Suspected U.S. strike...Aspen evacuation

NEW YORK (AP) A frigid Times Square served as the center of the New Year's celebration universe, closing out a historic and financially troubled year. Hundreds of thousands of revelers rang in 2009 as the famous Waterford crystal ball dropped and confetti rained down.

UNITED NATIONS (AP) The United States says a draft U.N.

resolution on Israel and the Palestinians is one-sided in not criticizing Gaza's militant Hamas rulers. The Security Council met Wednesday night on an Arab request for a resolution condemning Israel's attacks on Gaza.

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan (AP) Two Pakistani intelligence officials say a suspected U.S. missile strike has killed at least three people in northwest Pakistan. The officials say the men died Thursday when a suspected American drone aircraft fired missiles at a vehicle in the South Waziristan tribal region near the Afghan border.

ASPEN, Colo. (AP) Police in Aspen, Colo., say notes on suspicious packages discovered near two downtown banks indicated a "credible threat." Much of the area was evacuated. Authorities say a surveillance camera caught a photo of a possible suspect.

NEW YORK (AP) New York investment bank Merrill Lynch, which lost billions in the subprime mortgage crisis, has rung out with the old. It's now part of Bank of America. At the closing bell on New Year's Eve employees held what's known as a clapoff. Hundreds applauded solemnly to pay tribute to the company.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 01-01-09 0143CST | save this article / add to your favorites list