The Daily Populous

Friday May 5th, 2017 morning edition

image for Game of Thrones: HBO developing 4 different spinoffs

HBO is doubling down — no, quadrupling down — on its epic quest to replace Game of Thrones.

The pay TV network is determined to find a way to continue the most popular series in the company’s history and has taken the highly unusual step of developing four different ideas from different writers.

The move represents a potentially massive expansion of the popular fantasy universe created by author George R.R. Martin.

If greenlit, the eventual show or shows would also mark the first time HBO has ever made a follow-up series to one of its hits.

Most of the assigned writers have experience writing major theatrical films, and Martin is personally involved in two of the projects.

HBO isn’t revealing any story details at this time other than that the shows “explore different time periods of George R. R. Martin’s vast and rich universe.”.

We’re told a variety of different combinations and options are on the table depending on how the scripts look upon completion. »

House Republicans Are on the Cusp of Passing Their Health Care Bill

Authored by nbcnews.com

Embed House set to vote on Republican health care plan 2:22 autoplay autoplay Copy this code to your website or blog.

"Health care experts, however, say the amount is too little to address the needs, and several patient advocacy groups have come out against the bill.".

Afterwards, the GOP opponents on NBC's whip count moved from 21 (they can afford only 22 defections) to 16 now. »

Billboards target lawmakers who voted to let ISPs sell user information

Authored by theverge.com
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When Congress voted in March to block FCC privacy rules and let internet service providers sell users’ personal data, it was a coup for the telecom industry.

All four billboards, which were paid for through donations, were placed in the lawmakers’ districts.

The billboards accuse the lawmakers of betraying their constituents, and encourage passersby to call their offices. »

Denmark gets its first wolf pack in 200 years

Authored by bbc.co.uk
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Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Before 2012, wolves hadn't been seen in Denmark since the 19th Century.

Scientists in Denmark say that the country now has its first pack of wolves in over 200 years.

Wolves hadn't been seen in the country in two centuries until one was spotted in Jutland five years ago. »

In Trump’s America, Rape Is a Preexisting Condition

Authored by nymag.com

An amendment in the GOP health-care-reform bill will allow states to deny coverage for preexisting conditions, including sexual assault.

Under Obamacare, preexisting conditions were guaranteed to receive coverage — among them, sexual assault.

In addition to rape, postpartum depression, cesarean sections, and surviving domestic violence are all considered preexisting conditions. »