Olaf Scholz’s SPD narrowly fends off the AfD in Brandenburg’s state election, and chipmaker Qualcomm approaches Intel about a potential takeover. AI search engine Perplexity mounts an ambitious effort to break Google’s stranglehold over the $300bn digital ads industry. Plus, a strike at three dozen US ports could upend supply chains and raise prices just weeks before Election Day. Mentioned in this podcast: Germany’s SPD leads far right in Brandenburg election  Perplexity in talks with top brands on ads model as it challenges Google  Qualcomm approached Intel about takeover bid in recent days  The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.