Robot salad maker tossed into Seattle’s restaurant mix | Blue Origin launches revamped capsule

Blue Origin launched a new New Shepard spacecraft on an uncrewed shakedown mission Wednesday. The capsule, dubbed RSS Karman Line, incorporates technology upgrades to improve the vehicle’s performance and reusability, and should carry astronauts before long. Read more.

Bill Gates is reportedly backing Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign for president with a $50 million donation to the organization Future Forward. Gates did not confirm the funding but told The New York Times “this election is different, with unprecedented significance for Americans and the most vulnerable people around the world.” Read more.

Describing it as an “urgent matter,” Seattle Public Schools sent an email to families and staff informing them that a grade-viewing app was not authorized by the district. Read more.

A wearable camera system developed by the University of Washington uses artificial intelligence to provide an extra set of digital eyes in clinical settings, making sure medical providers don’t swap syringes and vials and deliver the wrong medications to patients. Read more.

A ballot initiative to repeal the capital gains tax in Washington state is the latest chapter in the controversy over the 7% tax which went into effect two years ago. Read more.

Hot Links:

• Amazon-backed Anthropic released an upgraded version of its Claude model that is designed to control your PC. (TechCrunch)

• Amazon is shutting down Amazon Today, a same-day delivery service for physical retailers. (CNBC)

• Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol said he wants the company to “refine” mobile ordering so it doesn’t overwhelm the in-store experience. (Starbucks)

• Amazon revealed a new weather-resistant Eero device designed to extend WiFi networks outdoors. (About Amazon)

• What are the rumors to watch out for ahead of Election Day? The University of Washington’s Kate Starbird reveals the biggest falsehoods and conspiracy theories spreading online. (Nature)

Thanks for subscribing to the GeekWire newsletter, and have a great day. — GeekWire Editor Taylor Soper, taylor@geekwire.com; GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop, todd@geekwire.com; and GeekWire reporter Kurt Schlosser, kurt@geekwire.com.