This last day of July begins with the somber news that another member of the U.S. military has been killed in Afghanistan, bringing this month's death toll to 42. July was already the deadliest month for U.S. forces since they first entered Afghanistan in October 2001.

On Morning Edition, NPR Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman talked with Steve Inskeep about the increase in casualties. Tom reports that as more U.S. forces enter the country and as they go after Taliban fighters, the American death toll is on the rise — in part because the enemy is increasingly making use of roadside bombs:

Also this morning, the Associated Press reports, "the United Nations said that the number of civilians killed in conflict in Afghanistan has jumped 24% so far this year."

Sticking with news about Afghanistan, The Washington Post writes that "the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan is preparing a new strategy that calls for major changes in the way U.S. and other NATO troops there operate, a vast increase in the size of Afghan security forces and an intensified military effort to root out corruption among local government officials, according to several people familiar with the contents of an assessment report that outlines his approach to the war."

Looking just slightly ahead to a story that will get lots of attention at 8:30 a.m. ET; the Commerce will issue its first report on second-quarter gross domestic product. We're planning to jump on the news when it's released. If you can't wait for our post, Commerce is supposed to put its report online here.

The department's latest estimates show declines in GDP each of the preceding three quarters — 5.5% (at an annual rate) in first-quarter 2009, 6.3% in fourth-quarter 2008 and 0.5% in third-quarter 2008. A recession is loosely defined as two or more consecutive quarters of declines in GDP, employment, production and other key indicators. NPR's Jim Zarroli explained on Morning Edition that today's report is not expected to show a rebound, but is expected to add to signs that the worst might be over.

As for other stories making headlines, they include:

— The Associated Press — Bombs Kill At Least 24 In Baghdad: "Multiple bombs have exploded near three Shiite mosques in Baghdad as worshippers were leaving Friday prayers, killing at least 24 and wounding dozens more, Iraqi police officials said. The bombings shattered a period of relative calm in the Iraqi capital, raising to at least 303 Iraqis killed in what has been one of the least deadly months in Iraq for both Iraqi civilians and U.S. troops since the war began. Seven American troops have been killed."

Related report from NPR's David "Quil" Lawrence in Baghdad: Death Toll May Be At Least 27.

Related story by The New York Times — "U.S. Adviser's Blunt Memo On Iraq: Time 'To Go Home' ".

— Morning Edition — "Cash For Clunkers" Is Running Out Of ... Cash: The so-called cash for clunkers program designed to stimulate car sales has been all-too successful. As NPR's Laura Sydell reports, dealers are now putting it on hiatus after reports that the government has quickly run out of funds:

— Morning Edition — Not Exactly A "Casual Beer" At The White House: NPR's Scott Horsley wraps up the news from Thursday evening's "beer summit."

Related post at The Root — Henry Louis Gates Says Incident Was "An Accident Of Time And Place".

Related story at NPR.org — "Police Split On What To Learn From Gates Case."

Related storry by the Boston Globe: Sgt. James Crowley Says "Two Gentlemen Agreed To Disagree," And Meeting Was A Positive Step.

— The Washington Post — E-Mails Show Rove, Other Bush Officials, Played Larger Role In Prosecutor Firings: "Political adviser Karl Rove and other high-ranking figures in the Bush White House played a greater role than previously understood in the firing of federal prosecutors almost three years ago, according to e-mails obtained by The Washington Post, in a scandal that led to mass Justice Department resignations and an ongoing criminal probe."

— BBC News — Nigerian Sect Leader Reported Killed: "A Nigerian government minister has expressed relief at the death of an Islamic sect leader whose capture police announced on Thursday. But Information Minister Dora Akunyili told the BBC the government 'does not condone extra-judicial killings.' Human rights campaigners have voiced concern at Mohammed Yusuf's death. The group he led has been blamed for days of violent unrest. Hundreds of people have died in clashes between his followers and security forces."