Four men including three from the Inland Empire are accused of plotting to attack American soldiers in Afghanistan. The FBI says the group supported al-Qaida and the Taliban, and they planned to travel overseas to attend terrorist training. The suspected ringleader had lived in Pomona and was arrested in Afghanistan while the three other suspects were from Upland, Ontario and Riverside. The men have been charged with five felony counts.

It may not be the end of Twinkies after all…Hostess is averting a company shutdown after agreeing to mediation with the Bakers Union. Hostess announced last week that it would attempt to liquidate after workers striked. A U.S. bankruptcy judge declined the request for liquidation and has adjourned the case until Wednesday morning to allow for both sides to meet today.

The Dow Jones gained 208 points yesterday after President Obama expressed confidence that agreement to avoid the so called fiscal cliff can be made.

Two-hundred-50-thousand people are expected to attend Riverside’s Festival of Lights event at the Mission Inn
this season. The five-week celebration kicks off Friday at 4:30 p.m. with a switch-on ceremony.

Microsoft just got something of a mixed blessing from Oprah. Oprah sent out a tweet touting the new Microsoft Surface among her favorite items for the holidays. It’s great free advertising for Microsoft, but Oprah sent it from her iPad, the Apple creation that is Microsoft’s main rival.