Good morning, Alexandria.

I spent last night at the Westin for The Chamber ALX’s Best in Business Awards, where The Brief was one of six Rising Star finalists. We didn’t win (Continues Arcade did, and deservedly), but it was hard to leave that room without feeling good about this city. Thirty-six finalists: a cat café, an arcade, a veterinary ER, a bookstore, a law firm, an 80-year-old animal shelter, a coffee roaster that opened in 2023. Every one of them is run by someone who decided to build something here. They were all winners last night, and the full list is below.

It will be a busy night around town. Trunk or Treat runs 5 to 7 p.m. at police headquarters on Wheeler Avenue; the city’s West End transportation open house is 5 to 8 p.m. at Minnie Howard; the School Board takes up middle school capacity at 6 p.m.; and City Council sits down with the ARHA board at 7 p.m. at Del Pepper.

Here’s what you need to know for Wednesday, Oct. 28.