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Reactions are varied over plans to use hydraulic fracturing close to Gros Morne National Park, in the Newfoundland West Coat.

The tourism industry in this area depends on the natural surroundings as a draw for tourists arriving from all around the world.

CBS News reports that some locals believe that oil exploration would provide jobs and perhaps keep young people from leaving their hometowns.

Mayor of Rocky Harbour, Walter Nicolle, said, "…if there was some economic development to stabilize our communities, it would keep people here longer or even permanently."

However, one resident said that these jobs are short-lived and leave people without work once the drilling is over.

UNESCO will evaluate the environmental risks of oil exploration in the area before any fracking takes place.

Gros Morne National Park was designated as a World Heritage site in 1987. Its status as such is not in danger at this time.

Flickr Photo by: Stephen Melkisethian

STORY WRITTEN BY: KRISTOBAL M. EUGENIO

The Japanese military will soon be getting new upgrades on their existing armed fleet.

The Guardian reports, that the new upgrades are in response to the ever growing threats that surround the Asian giants.

The country’s defense minister has outlined plans to purchase new surveillance drones to counter rising security tensions in the Far East.

More upgrades suggested include, improved defense systems against ballistic missiles and establishing a marine unit to counter possible attacks on remote islands.

Japan has decided to change their pacifist military ways, after North Korea began testing nuclear and ballistic missiles and China’s growing presence in remote Japanese waters.

Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, elected this past December, made the recommendations to his defense minister shortly after taking office.

Flickr Photo by: Hiroki Kanou

Fifteen cyclists taking part in the Critical Mass cyclist movement on Friday were fined up to $500,  and some were even arrested by the SPVM for obstruction of traffic.

According to Radio Canada, the SPVM intervened at the corner of Belmont and Beaver Hall Hill just after the cyclists left Philips Square around 6p.m., where they had gathered to begin riding.

The cyclists were fined under section 500.1 of the Highway Safety Code.

It is rare that participants are fined during the Critical Mass movement.

The event takes place on the last Friday of every month in hundreds of cities across North America, with multiple reasons according to the movement’s Facebook page… including making a statement for sustainable transportation, to travel the city without the usual danger of motor vehicles, and to re-imagine the use of public space.

Flickr Photo by: Justin Scott Campbell

STORY WRITTEN BY: CATLIN SPENCER