New Year’s Day arrived to cheers from thousands in New York’s Times Square where a sparkling crystal ball descended to start 2024 with hope for some, even as the world’s ongoing conflicts subdued celebrations and raised security concerns across the globe.

A small army of thousands of police officers worked to keep New York City safe, just as heightened security had done in the cities midnight hit first.

New York has seen near-daily protests sparked by the Israel-Hamas war.

Many of the people in Times Square had that war and other developments around the globe on their mind.

“I just hope that it’s just a better place. A better place to live. Everyone just come together as one, you know, and just love on each other,” Michelle Wyche said about her hopes for 2024.