A slightly sadistic experiment aims to find out why heat drives up global conflict The subjects were assigned to one of two rooms: 68 degrees or a sweat-inducing 86 degrees. Then they were told to play a computer game that can bring out the worst in human nature. Read more on NPR

Coronavirus FAQ: Is it wiser to get a booster now or wait for the new fall booster? Maybe it’s not a summer surge but COVID numbers are definitely ticking up. For those with concerns due to personal risk factors or the start of the school year, the booster question is top of mind. Read more…

UPS union negotiated a historic contract. Now workers have the final say The Teamsters union reached a tentative deal with UPS, narrowly averting a nationwide strike. Rank-and-file union members are voting on whether to approve the contract. Read more on NPR

The plot thickens: The battle over books comes at a cost No longer are just books under fire, but also the library administrators, teachers and long-beloved librarians who are defending them. Read more on NPR

Photos: ‘Whole town went and dissolved into ashes,’ Hawaii lieutenant governor says In Maui, a fast-moving wildfire decimated the town of Lahaina. Historical losses includes one of the largest banyan trees in the U.S. Read more on NPR

Don’t call it ‘vegan’ and other tips from hospitals to get people to eat less meat Turns out diners are more likely to get on board for altruistic reasons rather than health. That’s what one hospital learned after it pledged to reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions. Read more on NPR

Up First briefing: Hawaii fire damage repair could take years; how to see the Perseids Mass evacuations and recovery efforts continue in Maui after deadly wildfires. The Perseid meteor shower peaks this weekend. Read more on NPR