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A suicide bombing near a political rally in southwestern Pakistan kills 13 and wounds 30 – The Washington Post
1. A suicide bombing near a political rally in southwestern Pakistan kills 13 and wounds 30 The Washington Post
2. At least 11 killed in explosion at political rally in Pakistan’s Quetta Al Jazeera
3. At least 5 dead, 29 injured in blast at BNP rally in Quetta’s Shahwani Stadium Dawn
4. Bomb blast kills 11 at rally in southwestern Pakistan, officials say Reuters
5. Pakistan bombings kill dozens in political attacks in Quetta and Bannu Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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September 3, 2025
Bielsa eyes third World Cup spot with Messi set for home swansong

MONTEVIDEO:

Charismatic veteran coach Marcelo Bielsa is on the brink of guiding a third team to World Cup qualification as Uruguay take on Peru on Thursday needing only a draw to secure their ticket to next year’s North American extravaganza.

Paraguay, who host Ecuador, also need only a draw to qualify, while Colombia can book their spot at World Cup 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico, by beating Bolivia.

Reigning champions Argentina, for whom the incomparable Lionel Messi will be playing his last home qualifier for the Celeste at the age of 38, have already qualified, alongside Brazil and Ecuador.

For Uruguay, a draw or more in front of 80,000 fans in a packed-out Estadio Monumental in Montevideo would be a fitting achievement for the 70-year-old Bielsa.

He guided his native Argentina to a shock group stage exit at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, but did better at the Chile helm in South Africa in 2010, reaching the knock-out stages before losing 3-0 to Brazil.

However, all has not been plain-sailing with the Albiceleste.

While Bielsa was met with supporter excitement — and even euphoria — when he took over the reins two years ago, an underwhelming campaign has dampened that enthusiasm.

“If I had to qualify my management, I would say that we should have got more than we did,” Bielsa said recently of his team, who have scored only 19 goals in 16 matches — a far cry from the swashbuckling attacking teams he usually puts out.

Qualification was always likely in a system that will see six of the 10 CONMEBOL sides qualify automatically, with one more heading into an inter-continental play-off.

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde admitted as much, even though Uruguay have yet to book their ticket: “This qualification campaign was easier than the previous ones.”

Only Venezuela — on 18 points as they travel to Buenos Aires on Thursday for Messi’s emotionally-charged home swansong — could delay qualification for Uruguay and Paraguay (both on 24 points). They must both lose and Venezuela pull off a shock victory.

Messi said last week that the clash “will be a very special match for me, because it’s my last qualifier”, although he did not rule out playing in a future friendly.

He has not confirmed whether or not he will play in the World Cup, although it seems certain since he plies his club trade in Miami.

Even if Venezuela do not win on Thursday, the Vinotinto are still well-placed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time, if only via the inter-continental play-offs.

They are the only one of the 10 South American sides never to have qualified for the global showpiece.

They are a point ahead of Bolivia (17 points) in the race for the play-off spot. Neither are expected to win away on Thursday but if Venezuela beat Colombia — who on 22 points should themselves have qualified by then — next Tuesday, that should be enough to pip Bolivia, who host Brazil next week.

Only rock-bottom Chile (10 points) have already been eliminated, with Peru (12 points) needing to win their final two matches and see both Venezuela and Bolivia slump dramatically to snatch a highly-unlikely place in the play-offs.

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September 3, 2025
Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve and James Cameron pay tribute to IMAX pioneer David Keighley, dead at 77

David Keighley
| Photo Credit: X/ @IMAX

David Keighley, a central figure in the development of IMAX and one of the foremost advocates of large-format cinema, has died at the age of 77. His son, producer Geoff Keighley, confirmed that he passed away Thursday in New York following a battle with neuroendocrine prostate cancer.

Over a career spanning more than five decades, Keighley worked on more than 500 IMAX productions, from nature documentaries to major Hollywood blockbusters. He began his journey in 1972, co-founding postproduction company DKP 70MM with his wife, Patricia, after being inspired by the IMAX film North of Superior. Their company became synonymous with quality control, with no Imax print leaving the lab without Keighley’s approval. In 1988, the business was acquired by IMAX, where Keighley went on to serve as the company’s first chief quality officer.

Several visionary filmmakers have graciously shared reflections on their collaborations with my dad—including Christopher Nolan, with whom my dad worked until just two weeks before he died. pic.twitter.com/QBM8FLyDQX

— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) September 2, 2025

Filmmakers widely credit him with helping bring IMAX technology into mainstream Hollywood. Christopher Nolan, who first used IMAX cameras on The Dark Knight, described Keighley as both a mentor and a friend. “No filmmaker would be able to shoot or screen film of any format today if not for David Keighley — our entire industry owes him a massive debt,” Nolan said.

Director Ryan Coogler, whose upcoming film Sinners was among Keighley’s final projects, recalled his meticulous attention to detail and passion for film science. “Anyone who’s ever had their mind blown by the images in an IMAX theatrical presentation has David to thank for it,” Coogler noted.

James Cameron, whose Avatar films have relied heavily on IMAX presentation, praised Keighley as “a strong ally and a true believer in creating the ultimate cinema experience.” Denis Villeneuve, currently working with IMAX for Dune 3, added: “Some people are irreplaceable. David Keighley is one of them. Cinema is mourning one of its most brilliant technical masters.”

Keighley remained active until the final weeks of his life, overseeing dailies for Nolan’s upcoming The Odyssey. He is survived by his wife Patricia, children Geoff, Chris and Jennifer, and grandchildren Sam and Eli.

Published – September 03, 2025 10:39 am IST

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September 3, 2025
Calls for change in miscarriage of justice appeals

Phil McCannBBC News, Merseyside

Merseyside Police

Peter Sullivan, now aged 68, spent almost four decades behind bars

Lawyers for Peter Sullivan, who spent 38 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, have called for more “flexibility” in the appeals system.

Mr Sullivan, 68, was freed this year after being jailed in 1987 for the murder of 21-year-old Diane Sindall in Birkenhead.

Mr Sullivan has been called the victim of Britain’s longest-running miscarriage of justice involving a living inmate – after an earlier approach to the Court of Appeal highlighting disputed bite-mark evidence and the reliability of his apparent confession was rejected in 2021.

In May, judges accepted DNA recovered from Ms Sindall’s clothing proved someone else murdered her, but the technology did not exist when he was convicted.

That test found a male DNA profile from semen cells that comprehensibly ruled out Mr Sullivan.

Lord Justice Holroyde, sitting with Mr Justice Goss and Mr Justice Bryan at the Royal Courts of Justice in London in May, quashed Mr Sullivan’s murder conviction.

The judges said they had “no doubt that it is both necessary and expedient in the interests of justice” to admit the new DNA evidence.

“In the light of that evidence, it is impossible to regard the appellant’s conviction as safe,” Lord Holroyde said, speaking earlier this year.

Family handout

Diane Sindall, 21, was planning to get married before her death

Mr Sullivan’s legal team had asserted the conviction should also be quashed because the jury in his original trial was told bite marks on Ms Sindall’s body matched Mr Sullivan’s teeth.

Defence barrister Jason Pitter KC told the appeal hearing in May that bite marks were “not a reliable form of science for personal identification”.

Mr Pitter also said Mr Sullivan’s apparent confessions to police, at the time of his questioning in the 1980s, were later established as “inherently unreliable” because of his “limited intellectual functioning” which led to a “tendency to engage in make-believe to an extreme extent”.

Mr Sullivan was denied access to legal advice for some of his police interviews and his appeal hearing was told he was “extremely vulnerable in an interrogative situation”.

However, the Appeal Court judges declined to allow criticism surrounding bite-mark evidence and his so-called confession to be admitted as “fresh evidence”, meaning they were not used as grounds to quash Mr Sullivan’s murder conviction.

“Court of Appeal procedure and the legislation that covers what they can and cannot accept is really quite rigid”,” Mr Sullivan’s lawyer, Sarah Myatt, said.

“Sometimes a little bit more flexibility and more of a wider look at a case would be more helpful.

“If you accept the DNA evidence, and you accept that that shows that Peter did not commit this offence, then you have to accept that his confessions were not reliable – and also that the bite-mark evidence is unreliable.”

A judge at the previous appeal hearing in 2021 – brought by Mr Sullivan’s legal team before the new DNA evidence was available – refused to admit their criticisms of the bite-mark evidence and the apparent confession as “fresh evidence”, but Ms Myatt said the legal team had since “added to” their case.

Nonetheless, announcing the Court of Appeal’s decision in May, Lord Holroyd said he and fellow members of the panel were “not persuaded” that they should come to a different conclusion than previously, adding that criticisms of the bite-mark evidence and the confessions were discussed in detail in front of the jury at the 1987 trial.

Ms Myatt said confirmation that the confession and bite-mark evidence were wrongly used would be “important [to Peter] as a person – to know that that’s accepted”.

Legal charity Appeal represented Andrew Malkinson, whose conviction for a rape in Salford in 2004 was overturned in 2023 thanks to new DNA evidence.

Matt Foot, from the charity, said people who have “powerful evidence that clearly would have impacted on a jury’s decision” are being “left without justice, in a miserable position” because the Court of Appeal is refusing to admit the evidence presented “on a technicality”.

He said it had “become something of a culture” for the Court of Appeal to “refuse cases on the basis of not passing the fresh evidence test”.

Julia Quenzler/BBC

Mr Sullivan held his hand to his face and sobbed when the court announced his conviction had been quashed in May

The Law Commission has been commissioned by the government to come up with proposals to change the appeals system.

It has suggested the Court of Appeal should be more open to accepting “fresh evidence” so it can be considered in appeals.

Responding to a consultation on those proposals, the charity Appeal said Mr Sullivan’s case demonstrates that “root and branch changes are needed to ensure that wrongful convictions are remedied at the earliest opportunity”.

“Fresh evidence appeals are dismissed despite often compelling evidence undermining the safety of the conviction,” it stated.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said “We acknowledge the grave impact miscarriages of justice have, and are committed to supporting individuals in rebuilding their lives.

“The Law Commission is currently consulting on the law relating to criminal appeals. We will consider their findings before deciding on any action in this area.”

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September 3, 2025
Focus: Big Food goes small: Kraft Heinz bets on simplicity to boost shares – Reuters
1. Focus: Big Food goes small: Kraft Heinz bets on simplicity to boost shares Reuters
2. Warren Buffett says he is ‘disappointed’ in Kraft Heinz split; shares fall 7% CNBC
3. Kraft Heinz is splitting up, separating hot dogs from ketchup NPR
4. Submit nominations for 2026 Iowa STEM teacher award Daily Gate City
5. Google avoids breakup in search monopoly case, but judge orders other major changes in landmark ruling Barchart.com
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September 3, 2025
Pakistan’s perspective on India’s abeyance of Indus Waters Treaty
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), brokered by the World Bank in 1960, has been a cornerstone of transboundary water cooperation between India and Pakistan for over six decades. However, India’s recent decision to unilaterally suspend the treaty following the Pahalgam attack (June 2025) marks a dangerous escalation in the use of water as a geopolitical weapon.

From Pakistan’s perspective, this move is not only legally untenable but also a grave threat to its food security, economy, and regional stability. This document outlines Pakistan’s legal recourse, strategic countermeasures, and the broader implications of India’s actions under international law.

Can India Legally Stop Water Flows to Pakistan? An International Legal Perspective

1. India’s Legal Capacity to Halt Water Flows Under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) explicitly governs water distribution between India and Pakistan, allocating:
- Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej): Full control to India (with limited non-consumptive use for Pakistan).
- Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab): Guaranteed flow to Pakistan, with India permitted limited storage and hydroelectric use.
2. Can India Legally Stop Western Rivers’ Water?
- No unilateral stoppage allowed: The IWT does not grant India the right to completely block water to Pakistan.
- Permitted uses only: India can build run-of-the-river hydro projects (no large storage) and use water for non-consumptive purposes (e.g., electricity generation).
- Violation if India diverts or blocks: Any attempt to cut off or excessively store Western Rivers’ water breaches Article III (Pakistan’s unrestricted use) and Annexure D (storage limits).
3. International Law on Water Suspension: Key Principles

Even if India claims “abeyance” (temporary suspension), international law imposes strict limits:

A. Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT)

Article 60 (Termination/Suspension): Only valid if Pakistan commits a “material breach” (e.g., repudiating the treaty or violating essential terms).
Pakistan has not done so—using arbitration (Kishenganga/Ratle cases) is permitted under IWT dispute mechanisms.
Article 62 (Fundamental Change of Circumstances): Does not apply—political tensions (e.g., terrorism) do not alter the treaty’s water-sharing purpose (ICJ ruling in Gabčíkovo-Nagymaros Case).

B. UN Watercourses Convention (1997)

Equitable & Reasonable Utilization (Article 5): India cannot disproportionately harm Pakistan’s water rights.
No Significant Harm Rule (Article 7): Cutting off water violates Pakistan’s right to livelihood, agriculture, and drinking water.

C. International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

If India weaponizes water, it could amount to:
Collective punishment (prohibited under Geneva Conventions).
Crime against humanity (via mass starvation, per Rome Statute).

Is “Abeyance” a Valid Legal Concept in International Law?

1. Definition of Abeyance
- Temporary suspension of treaty obligations (not termination).
- No explicit recognition in the Vienna Convention but sometimes used in state practice.
2. Legal Validity of India’s “Abeyance” Claim
- No Basis in the IWT: The treaty does not allow temporary suspension for political reasons.
ICJ Precedent Against It:
- In Gabčíkovo-Nagymaros, Hungary tried suspending a water treaty—ICJ ruled unilateral suspension illegal.
- Only mutual agreement or UNSC sanctions can justify suspension.
Risk of Illegal Countermeasure:
- Under customary international law, countermeasures must be:
1. Proportionate (India’s total suspension is excessive).
2. Reversible (long-term harm to Pakistan makes this doubtful).
3. Consequences of Invalid Abeyance
- Pakistan can challenge in ICJ/World Bank for treaty violation.
- World Bank (IWT guarantor) may freeze funding for Indian projects.
- UNSC could intervene if framed as a threat to peace (though veto risks exist).
Conclusion: India Cannot Legally Stop Water to Pakistan
1. IWT binds India to let Western Rivers flow—no legal right to block.
2. “Abeyance” has no standing—only mutual agreement or UNSC order can suspend treaties.
3. Pakistan’s recourse:
1. World Bank arbitration (compel India to restore flows).
2. ICJ case (for breach of UN Watercourses Convention).
3. Diplomatic pressure (OIC, UN, China-backed resolutions).
India’s move is a dangerous precedent in “water wars”—but international law firmly sides with Pakistan’s rights.

Legal Analysis: India’s Suspension and Violations of International Law

1. Invalidity of India’s Claims Under the Vienna Convention

India justifies its suspension of the IWT by invoking Article 60 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT), alleging a “material breach” by Pakistan. However, We can categorically rejects this argument for the following reasons:
- No Material Breach by Pakistan:
1. The IWT is a technical water-sharing agreement, not a counter-terrorism pact. India’s attempt to link Pakistan’s alleged support for militants to the treaty is legally irrelevant.
2. Pakistan has not repudiated the treaty nor violated its “essential provisions.” Dispute resolution mechanisms (e.g., Kishenganga arbitration) are permissible under the IWT and do not constitute a breach.
- Precedent from the Gabčíkovo-Nagymaros Case (1997):
1. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that political tensions or unilateral grievances (e.g., terrorism allegations) do not justify treaty termination.
2. The ICJ’s strict interpretation of Article 62 (fundamental change of circumstances) further undermines India’s position.
2. Violation of Customary International Law

India’s suspension of water flows could constitute:
- Collective Punishment: Depriving millions of civilians of water violates international humanitarian law and the UN Watercourses Convention (1997), which mandates equitable and reasonable utilization.
- Disproportionate Countermeasure: Under the UN Charter (Article 51), any response must be proportional. India’s actions far exceed this threshold.
Pakistan’s Legal Recourse

Pakistan can challenge India’s actions through multiple forums:

1. World Bank Arbitration (Article IX of IWT)
- The IWT mandates neutral expert intervention for disputes. Pakistan can demand urgent arbitration to enforce India’s compliance.
- Precedent: The 2013 Kishenganga ruling forced India to modify its dam design.
2. International Court of Justice (ICJ)
- Pakistan can file a case citing:
1. Breach of the UN Watercourses Convention (equitable utilization).
2. Violation of the IWT’s core provisions (e.g., unrestricted flow of Western Rivers).
3. United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
- Pakistan, with support from allies like China, can table a resolution condemning India’s actions as a threat to regional peace.
- Risk: Potential veto by Russia or other powers.
Strategic Countermeasures for Pakistan

1. Hydrological Resilience
- Accelerate Dam Projects: Fast-track completion of Diamer-Bhasha Dam (2026) to enhance water storage.
- Cloud Seeding: Invest in technology to augment rainfall and glacier replenishment.
2. Diplomatic Offensive
- Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit: Mobilize Muslim-majority nations to pressure India.
- Leverage CPEC: Secure Chinese support for infrastructure and legal advocacy.
3. Economic and Humanitarian Safeguards
- Diversify Agriculture: Shift to drought-resistant crops to mitigate losses.
- International Aid Appeals: Highlight the humanitarian crisis to secure UN and donor assistance.
Global Implications and Precedents

India’s actions set a perilous precedent for transboundary water conflicts:
- Türkiye could mimic similar tactics against Syria and Iraq over the Euphrates.
- Ethiopia might harden its stance on the Nile Dam dispute, escalating tensions with Egypt and Sudan.
- Climate Change Multiplier: Melting glaciers and water scarcity will exacerbate such conflicts, risking “21st-century water wars.”
Conclusion and Recommendations

India’s suspension of the IWT is a blatant violation of international law and an existential threat to Pakistan. While legal avenues offer some recourse, the urgency demands immediate action:
1. Exhaust All Legal Channels: File cases at the ICJ and World Bank to force India’s compliance.
2. Strengthen Water Infrastructure: Reduce dependency on Indian-controlled rivers through dams and alternative sources.
3. Global Coalition-Building: Rally international support to condemn hydrological warfare and uphold the IWT.
Indus crisis is not just a bilateral issue—it is a test of the world’s commitment to preventing resource-driven conflicts. Pakistan must act decisively to safeguard its survival and set a precedent against the weaponization of water.
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September 3, 2025
The Great Square of Pegasus
This famous four-star asterism marks the body of Pegasus the Winged horse and can help point the way to many fainter objects.
The article describes the observation of the Great Square of Pegasus, an asterism easily visible throughout the night due to its brightness.

The asterism comprises four stars: Gamma Pegasi, Markab (Alpha Peg), Scheat (Beta Peg), and Alpheratz (Andromeda’s Alpha star), with approximate magnitudes and relative positions described.

The observation is best performed an hour after sunset, with the square rising in the east and traversing the sky overnight.

Despite the waxing gibbous moon, the article suggests learning the Great Square as a reference point for finding fainter celestial objects under darker skies.

With a waxing Moon lighting the sky for most of the night, we’re focusing on brighter stars this evening. Our target for tonight is a famous asterism that is currently visible all night long. You can catch it already above the horizon in the east an hour after the Sun disappears, then follow its progress as it arcs through the sky overnight.

Look east an hour after sunset and you’ll spot a large diamond of stars — this is the Great Square of Pegasus, which depicts the body of the Winged Horse. It is bounded by four stars; lowest early in the evening is magnitude 2.8 Gamma Pegasi. Moving counterclockwise, some 16.5° to its upper right (west) is magnitude 2.5 Markab (Alpha Peg). The next star is Scheat (Beta Peg), which shines at magnitude 2.5 and sits roughly 13° north (to the upper left) of Markab. As the Great Square is Rising, Scheat appears at the top of the diamond, directly above Gamma.

Finishing off the Great Square is a star that isn’t actually in Pegasus — it’s Alpheratz, Andromeda’s magnitude 2.1 alpha star, which lies just over 14° east (to the lower left) of Scheat.

Although the sky is bright with moonlight tonight, taking the time to learn the Great Square will help guide your way to many fainter objects when the nights grow darker again.

Sunrise: 6:30 A.M.
Sunset: 7:28 P.M.
Moonrise: 5:27 P.M.
Moonset: 1:34 A.M.
Moon Phase: Waxing gibbous (82%)
*Times for sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset are given in local time from 40° N 90° W. The Moon’s illumination is given at 12 P.M. local time from the same location.

For a look ahead at more upcoming sky events, check out our full Sky This Week column.
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September 3, 2025
Valneva Reports Further Positive Phase 2 Safety and
- Strong immune response after third yearly booster dose in children and adults
- Significant anamnestic antibody response across all six serotypes
- No safety concerns observed in any age group by independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC), consistent with previous booster results.
Saint-Herblain (France), September 3^rd, 2025 – Valneva SE (Nasdaq: VALN; Euronext Paris: VLA) announced positive immunogenicity and safety data from the ongoing Phase 2 study of Lyme disease vaccine candidate, VLA15. The strong anamnestic immune response and favorable safety profile following a third booster dose were consistent with those reported after receiving previous annual booster doses¹^,² further demonstrating compatibility with the anticipated benefits of a yearly vaccination prior to each Lyme season.

There are currently no approved human vaccines for Lyme disease, and VLA15 has advanced the furthest in clinical development, with two Phase 3 trials nearing completion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 476,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year, and 132,000 cases are reported annually in Europe.³^,⁴ Vaccination has been completed in the pivotal Phase 3 study of VLA15⁵, and subject to positive data, Pfizer aims to submit a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2026.

Juan Carlos Jaramillo M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Valneva, said, “These latest data further reinforce the potential benefits of booster doses across all evaluated age groups. There are currently no approved human vaccines for Lyme disease, and as the disease continues to expand geographically, it remains a pressing unmet medical need affecting communities across the Northern Hemisphere. Each set of positive results moves us closer to the possibility of making this vaccine available to both adults and children living in Lyme-endemic areas.”

These latest results from the VLA15-221 Phase 2 study – measured one month after vaccination at month 42 – again demonstrated a significant anamnestic antibody response across all six serotypes covered by the vaccine candidate in pediatric (5 to 11 years of age) and adolescent (12 to 17 years of age) participants, as well as in adults (18 to 65 years of age). A high proportion of participants seroconverted after the third booster dose, yielding seroconversion rates^* (SCRs) at 100% (confidence interval 96.7%, 100%) for all outer surface protein A (OspA) serotypes in all age groups, in-line with SCRs after the first and second booster. Geometric Mean Titers at one month post first and second booster (i.e. month 19 vs. month 31) were comparably high.

The safety and tolerability profile of VLA15 after the third booster dose was similar to the profile observed after the previous booster doses. To date, no safety concerns have been observed by the independent DMC in any treatment or age group.

Pfizer and Valneva entered into a collaboration agreement in April 2020 for the development and commercialization by Pfizer of VLA15.

Participants in this Phase 2 study received VLA15 or placebo during the primary vaccination phase in two immunization schedules (month 0-2-6 or month 0-6), followed by yearly vaccinations at months 18, 30 and 42. In August 2022, Pfizer and Valneva initiated the currently ongoing Phase 3 clinical study, Vaccine Against Lyme for Outdoor Recreationists (VALOR) (NCT05477524), to investigate the efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of VLA15 in participants five years of age and older in highly endemic regions in North America and Europe.⁶ Dosing of all subjects was recently completed as announced by Pfizer. A second Phase 3 trial (C4601012), aiming to provide further evidence on the safety profile of VLA15 in the pediatric population between 5 and 17 years of age also completed vaccination.

About VLA15

There are currently no approved human vaccines for Lyme disease, and VLA15 is the Lyme disease vaccine candidate which has advanced the furthest along the clinical development timeline, with two Phase 3 trials in progress. This investigational multivalent protein subunit vaccine uses an established mechanism of action for a Lyme disease vaccine that targets the outer surface protein A (OspA) of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. OspA is a surface protein expressed by the bacteria when present in a tick. Blocking OspA inhibits the bacterium’s ability to leave the tick and infect humans. The vaccine candidate covers the six most prevalent OspA serotypes expressed by the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species in North America and Europe.

About Clinical Study VLA15-221

VLA15-221 is a randomized, observer-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 study. It is the first clinical study with VLA15 which enrolled a pediatric population (5-17 years old). 560 healthy participants received either VLA15 in two immunization schedules (month 0-2-6 [N=190] or month 0-6 [N=181]) or placebo (month 0-2-6 [N=189]). Vaccine recipients received VLA15 at a dose of 180 µg, which was selected based on data generated in two previous Phase 2 studies. The main safety and immunogenicity readout (primary endpoint) was performed one month after completion of the primary series vaccination schedule. All eligible subjects received yearly booster doses of VLA15 or placebo at Months 18, 30 and 42. Antibody persistence will be followed up to six months post third annual booster.
VLA15 is tested as an alum-adjuvanted formulation and administered intramuscularly. The study is being conducted at U.S. sites located in areas where Lyme disease is endemic and has enrolled both volunteers with a prior infection with Borrelia burgdorferi as well as Borrelia burgdorferi-naïve volunteers.

About Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a systemic infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria transmitted to humans by the bite of infected Ixodes ticks.⁷ It is considered the most common vector-borne illness in the Northern Hemisphere.⁸,⁹ While the true incidence of Lyme disease is unknown, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that approximately 476,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed and treated each year and 132,000 cases are reported annually in Europe. Early symptoms of Lyme disease (such as a gradually expanding erythematous rash called erythema migrans or other nonspecific symptoms like fatigue, fever, headache, mild stiff neck, muscle and joint paints) are often overlooked or misinterpreted. Left untreated, the disease can disseminate and cause more serious chronic complications affecting the skin, joints (arthritis), the heart (carditis) or the nervous system. The medical need for vaccination against Lyme disease is steadily increasing as the geographic footprint of the disease widens.¹⁰

About Valneva SE

We are a specialty vaccine company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes prophylactic vaccines for infectious diseases addressing unmet medical needs. We take a highly specialized and targeted approach, applying our deep expertise across multiple vaccine modalities, focused on providing either first-, best- or only-in-class vaccine solutions.

We have a strong track record, having advanced multiple vaccines from early R&D to approvals, and currently market three proprietary travel vaccines.

Revenues from our growing commercial business help fuel the continued advancement of our vaccine pipeline. This includes the only Lyme disease vaccine candidate in advanced clinical development, which is partnered with Pfizer, the world’s most clinically advanced tetravalent Shigella vaccine candidate as well as vaccine candidates against the Zika virus and other global public health threats.

Valneva Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to the business of Valneva, including with respect to the progress, timing, results and completion of research, development and clinical trials for product candidates and the timing for submission of such product candidates for regulatory approval. In addition, even if the actual results or developments of Valneva are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, those results or developments of Valneva may not be sustained in the future. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “could,” “should,” “may,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “aims,” “targets,” or similar words. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the current expectations of Valneva as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In particular, the expectations of Valneva could be affected by, among other things, uncertainties involved in the development and manufacture of vaccines, unexpected clinical trial results, unexpected regulatory actions or delays, competition in general, currency fluctuations, the impact of the global and European credit crisis, and the ability to obtain or maintain patent or other proprietary intellectual property protection. Success in preclinical studies or earlier clinical trials may not be indicative of results in future clinical trials. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements made in this press release will in fact be realized. Valneva is providing this information as of the date of this press release and disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Valneva Media and Investor Relations Contacts

Laëtitia Bachelot-Fontaine
VP Global Communications & European Investor Relations
M +33 (0)6 4516 7099
laetitia.bachelot-fontaine@valneva.com

Joshua Drumm, Ph.D.
VP Global Investor Relations
M +1 917 815 4520
joshua.drumm@valneva.com

References

1 https://valneva.com/press-release/valneva-and-pfizer-report-positive-pediatric-and-adolescent-phase-2-booster-results-for-lyme-disease-vaccine-candidate/
2 https://valneva.com/press-release/valneva-and-pfizer-report-further-positive-phase-2-booster-results-for-lyme-disease-vaccine-candidate/
3 Davidson, A., Davis, J., Brestrich, G., Moisi, J., Jodar, L., & Stark, J. H. July 2025. Vector Borne Zoonotic Diseases. (online ahead of print).
4 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lyme Disease. January 2021. Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/stats/humancases.html. Accessed: August 2023.
5 Second-Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call Prepared Remarks August 5, 2025: https://s206.q4cdn.com/795948973/files/doc_financials/2025/q2/Q2-2025-Earnings-Conference-Call-Prepared-Remarks-FINAL.pdf
6 Pfizer and Valneva Initiate Phase 3 Study of Lyme Disease Vaccine Candidate VLA15. August 2022. Available at: https://valneva.com/press-release/pfizer-and-valneva-initiate-phase-3-study-of-lyme-disease-vaccine-candidate-vla15/ Accessed: August 2023.
7 Stanek et al. 2012, The Lancet 379:461–473
8 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lyme Disease. January 2021. Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/stats/humancases.html Accessed: August 2024.
9 Kugeler KJ, et al. Estimating the frequency of Lyme disease diagnoses—United States, 2010-2018. 2021. Emergency Infectious Disease. 27(2).
10 Centers for Disease Control. Understanding Lyme and Other Tickborne Diseases. May 2022. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/communication-resources/press-kit.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/media/lyme-tickborne-diseases-increasing.html Accessed: August 2025.
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September 3, 2025
Hyundai Motor Announces the Opening of Hyundai Translocal Series: Entangled and Woven

After its premiere in Cheongju Craft Biennale 2025, Hyundai Translocal Series: Entangled and Woven will travel to the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy in New Delhi, India in February 2026 and to the Whitworth in Manchester, UK in July 2026.

Hyundai Translocal Series: Entangled and Woven

September 4, 2025 – November 2, 2025, Cheongju Craft Biennale 2025

In partnership with Hyundai Motor Company

*These images are approved only for publication in conjunction with the promotion of Hyundai Translocal Series: Entangled and Woven. Each image must not be cropped, bled off the page, colorized, solarized, overlaid with other elements (e.g., tone, text, another image, etc.), or otherwise altered, except in terms of overall size. Reproductions must include the full credit information adjacent to the image. Use of images for front covers may incur a fee and will require prior authorization from the owner and copyright holder of the work. Please contact the Press Office of Cheongju Craft Biennale 2025 for such use at [email protected] or [email protected].

Image Credit

– Image 1: Kaimurai, The Answer to All My Prayers Are in the Questions I Never Asked, 2025, installation view in Hyundai Translocal Series: Entangled and Woven, Cheongju Craft Biennale 2025 © Cheongju Craft Biennale Organizing Committee, photo by Wooil Kim

– Image 2: Jounghye Yoo, Gilded Veil_A Mysterious Curtain Lightly Draped in Gold, 2025, installation view in Hyundai Translocal Series: Entangled and Woven, Cheongju Craft Biennale 2025 © Cheongju Craft Biennale Organizing Committee, photo by Wooil Kim

– Image 3: Boito, Mohenjodaro Textile, 2025, installation view in Hyundai Translocal Series: Entangled and Woven, Cheongju Craft Biennale 2025 © Cheongju Craft Biennale Organizing Committee, photo by Wooil Kim

– Image 4: Sumakshi Singh, Spanning the void, 2025 and PÉRO, Entangled Memories, Interwoven Stories, 2025, installation view in Hyundai Translocal Series: Entangled and Woven, Cheongju Craft Biennale 2025 © Cheongju Craft Biennale Organizing Committee, photo by Wooil Kim

– Image 5: Somi Ko, People of One, Continuum, 2025, installation view in Hyundai Translocal Series: Entangled and Woven, Cheongju Craft Biennale 2025 © Cheongju Craft Biennale Organizing Committee, photo by Wooil Kim

– Image 6: Yeonsoon Chang, Worincheongang I, 2025, installation view in Hyundai Translocal Series: Entangled and Woven, Cheongju Craft Biennale 2025 © Cheongju Craft Biennale Organizing Committee, photo by Wooil Kim

– Image 7: Youngin Hong, Sacred Empires, 2025, installation view in Hyundai Translocal Series: Entangled and Woven, Cheongju Craft Biennale 2025 © Cheongju Craft Biennale Organizing Committee, photo by Wooil Kim

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September 3, 2025
Does Protein Timing Matter for Muscle Growth?
Total daily protein matters the most for muscle building, rather than protein timing.

Muscle building is the result of strength training and eating enough daily protein.

To eat more protein, eat high-protein snacks and consider using a protein powder if needed.
Protein is the MVP when it comes to building muscle. Strength training tears down muscles—in a good way—and protein steps in to rebuild them bigger and stronger over time. With the conversation around protein being louder than ever, you may be wondering if you’re timing your protein intake right to maximize those gains.

To help answer this question, we asked sports dietitians whether there’s really a “best” time to eat protein for muscle growth. Spoiler: The answer isn’t so simple. Keep reading to learn why strict protein timing may not be the best strategy for supporting muscle growth.

Is There a Best Time?

The honest answer: not necessarily. “The good news is that if your overall protein intake is solid throughout the day, the exact timing matters less than you think,” says Nazirber Maduro, RD, CDN, CDCES, a registered dietitian. What matters most is the amount of total protein you eat in a day, not when you eat it. “While some early research suggested dividing protein equally throughout the day was necessary for maximizing protein usage, current data has suggested the total protein intake over the course of the day is most important,” explains Christopher R. Mohr, Ph.D., RD, an exercise physiologist and dietitian.

For example, one study in 31 men found no difference in muscle growth based on protein timing. Over eight weeks, participants were split into two groups: one group consumed protein immediately before and after their workouts, while the other group consumed the same amount three hours before and after. Results indicated both groups experienced similar muscle gains, regardless of protein timing.

Another large review study found that certain times of the day—such as post-exercise and before bed to support recovery during sleep—may offer added benefits for muscle building. However, the authors noted that higher-quality studies are needed. Overall, they concluded that total protein intake remains the most important factor, meaning that as long as you eat enough protein throughout the day, you’ll likely see results.

Finally, Mohr highlights a recent study that looked at meal timing and protein intake. Participants were instructed to eat their total protein needs across just two meals, instead of the typical three. The goal was to see whether sufficient muscle growth could occur as long as daily protein needs were met, even with fewer eating occasions. The results showed that as long as participants ate enough total protein (1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight per day or 0.7 g/lb./day), this supported muscle growth.

As the research suggests, the debate on protein timing can be put to rest. This is good news for individuals practicing intermittent fasting or those who find it hard to eat protein at certain times of the day.

Other Factors to Consider

Total Protein Intake

“Ninety percent of building muscle is due to strength training, not protein. However, if one does not consume enough protein, the body will be in a state of protein breakdown instead of protein synthesis,” says Leslie Bonci, M.P.H., RDN, CSSD, LDN, FAND, a sports dietitian. This underscores how important it is to meet your daily protein needs if you want to see results.

While protein needs vary depending on activity level, age and goals, most research aligns with the International Society of Sports Nutrition’s recommendation that active individuals should consume around 1.4 to 2.0 g/kg/day (0.64–0.90 g/lb./day). This means someone weighing 150 pounds (68 kg) would need roughly 95 to 136 grams of protein per day.

While protein timing isn’t the most important factor for muscle growth, Mohr notes that some people may still find it easier to spread protein evenly throughout the day, since it’s quite filling. Others may prefer fewer, larger meals. As the saying goes, “different strokes for different folks.”

Protein Quality

Plant versus animal protein is a hot topic, largely due to the difference in their amino acid content. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and some play particularly important roles in muscle growth. “The buzz word of the moment is ‘protein quality,’ which is more important than quantity. If one consumes 30 grams of plant protein, the essential amino acid content is lower than that of animal-sourced protein even though the amount of protein consumed is still relatively high,” explains Bonci.

Essential amino acids must be obtained through food, as the body cannot produce them. “Complete” proteins that have all essential amino acids and are generally higher quality, come most often from animal sources. Animal proteins also tend to be higher in branched-chain amino acids, especially leucine, which is key for stimulating muscle growth. That said, you can still get all essential amino acids by combining a variety of plant-based proteins, and some—like soy and rice—are good sources of leucine.

The good news is that you don’t have to exclude plant-based proteins from your diet—they can contribute to your total daily intake. If you follow a mostly plant-based diet, be sure to eat a variety of plant proteins to get all essential amino acids. If you’re open to animal proteins, Bonci suggests this as your best option for protein quality and digestibility: “I am a fan of less and more—less quantity and more quality, so a smaller amount of animal-sourced protein such as dairy milk, yogurt or whey protein isolate may be easier to tolerate.”

Pre- & Post-Workout Protein

The best approach to planning your pre- and post-workout protein is paying attention to what works for you and your digestive system. Some individuals are sensitive to certain foods before exercise, so they may opt for a lighter pre-workout snack—like a slice of toast with peanut butter and a banana—and save the bulk of their protein for after the session. Others may need to wait a while post-workout before eating, as exercise can temporarily suppress hunger in some people. Fortunately, as long as you meet your total protein needs, you’re providing your body with the building blocks it needs to build muscle after a hard strength-training session.

Strength Training

While protein intake is crucial for building muscle, eating endless amounts of protein won’t help much if you’re not consistently strength training. Remember that in order to build muscle, you need to “stress” your muscles with enough load to create small microtears. These microtears are then rebuilt bigger and stronger with the help of protein. Therefore, consider adding a few strength-training sessions to your workout regimen for better gains.

How to Get More Protein in Your Diet

If you’re struggling to get enough of the powerful “P” in your diet, you’re not alone. Sports dietitians recommend planning out your meals and snacks strategically to help meet your protein goals. Consider these simple tips to add more protein to your diet.
- Build a Better Breakfast. Breakfast tends to be the hardest meal for people to hit their protein goals. While it may be tempting to grab a muffin, it usually doesn’t provide enough protein to start the day off right. Instead, Mohr suggests high-protein options like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, smoked salmon or whole eggs. Maduro also encourages eating more protein in the morning to prevent a game of catch-up during the rest of the day.
- Eat Protein-Forward Snacks. Pair your snacks with protein, such as edamame or hard-boiled eggs, to increase your protein intake between meals.
- Swap Greek Yogurt into Your Meals. Bonci encourages clients to use higher-protein foods in their everyday meals: “I find that adding Greek yogurt to oatmeal, a baked potato and veggie dip are low-volume (calorie), high-protein ways to boost protein intake.”
- Sprinkle in Protein Powder (and Not Just in a Shake). Keep an unflavored whey or soy protein powder on hand to increase the protein content of lower-protein foods like dips, sauces, oatmeals and smoothies.
Our Expert Take

Stop stressing about the clock when it comes to protein. Instead of timing your protein intake, the best way to support muscle growth is to ensure you’re meeting your total daily protein needs and choosing high-quality protein sources. Sports dietitians agree this approach provides the body with amino acids needed for muscle building, especially when paired with a consistent strength-training program. For personalized advice, consider working one-on-one with a sports dietitian.
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September 3, 2025