https://www.turkishminute.com/2019/06/28/former-allies-of-turkeys-erdogan-plan-rival-party-after-istanbul-defeat-report/

Two senior figures in Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ruling party are planning to launch a rival political group this year, people familiar with the matter said, a move that could further erode support for the country’s long-time leader on the heels of a stinging electoral defeat in İstanbul, Reuters reported on Thursday.

Behind the breakaway plans are former deputy prime minister Ali Babacan and former president Abdullah Gül, both founding members of Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP), according to two political advisers.

Sunday’s re-run mayoral election delivered the second loss in recent months for the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Turkey’s largest city, a bitter setback for the president who has ruled for 16 years. It has also emboldened critics within his own party who have for years hinted at plans to form a rival party because of dissatisfaction over Erdoğan’s increasing powers over the party and government.

https://thehill.com/policy/defense/450770-senate-confirms-commander-of-new-space-command

The Senate on Thursday evening confirmed the Air Force general tapped to lead the newly-formed U.S. Space Command.

The Senate approved Gen. John Raymond to be the commander of Space Command by unanimous consent in a package of a couple dozen military nominations.

Raymond serves as the commander of Air Force Space Command. When the Pentagon announced his nomination in March, the department said he would be dual-hatted, meaning he will now serve as both commander of U.S. Space Command and commander of Air Force Space Command.

The administration is establishing U.S. Space Command as part of its broader efforts to increase the military’s focus on space. The effort includes a push to establish Space Force as the sixth branch of the military.