World: Protests broke out in Afghanistan this morning in response to Florida pastor Terry Jones’ plans to burn copies of the Koran. Two of the protests turned violent, even after Jones announced that he put his plans on hold. (The New York Times)

National: The federal appeals court on Thursday lifted an injunction that blocked the federal government from financing embryonic stem cell research. (The Chronicle of Higher Education)

State: U.S. Senate hopeful Jack Conway’s campaign has challenged his opponent, Rand Paul, to a series of six debates around the state in October. A news release listed Louisville, Covington, Pikeville, Paducah, Lexington and Bowling Green as potential host cities. (The Lexington Herald-Leader)

Other: Chelsea Handler is getting ready to host the VMAs. (MTV)