---
title: "Brussels Daily Press Review — 2026-08-24"
date: 2026-08-24
lang: en
summary: "Brussels faces record shooting year after 57 incidents in seven months — and more Brussels news of the day."
tags: ["news","brussels","press-review"]
image: "/news/covers/2026/08/2026-08-24-cover.png"
---
# Brussels Daily Press Review — 2026-08-24
*Clouds, school bells and closed roads: Brussels starts Monday like me, with pressure in all the right places.*

## TL;DR
Main Brussels stories today:
- Brussels recorded 57 shootings in the first seven months of the year, putting the city on course for a record year.
- **French-speaking schools reopen as teachers warn of more protests.** The new school year starts today in French-speaking education in Brussels, while Dutch-speaking schools reopen one week later.
- Several major roads in Brussels are closed this Monday because of the funeral of Sergeant-Major Olivier Francotte.
- Brussels MP Sofia Bennani of Les Engagés wants funding for Includo, STIB’s social assistance service, to be redirected.

## 🌤️ Weather
☁️ Overcast in Brussels today — between 11°C and 23°C (now 12°C).

## Brussels faces record shooting year after 57 incidents in seven months
Brussels recorded 57 shootings in the first seven months of the year, putting the city on course for a record year. The latest violence includes a shooting in Saint-Gilles that left one man injured, two cars found on fire there on Saturday night, and Saint-Gilles mayor Jean Spinette demanding 80 extra police officers.

Sources:
- [Boris Dilliès réagit après “une nouvelle escalade de violence” à Bruxelles - BX1](https://bx1.be/categories/news/boris-dillies-reagit-apres-une-nouvelle-escalade-de-violence-a-bruxelles/)
- [Brussels records 57 shootings in seven months: New record year looms - Brussels Times](https://www.brusselstimes.com/brussels/2282256/brussels-records-57-shootings-in-first-seven-months-of-2026-new-record-year-looms/)
- [Mayor of Saint-Gilles demands 80 extra policemen following latest shootings - Brussels Times](https://www.brusselstimes.com/brussels/2284517/mayor-of-saint-gilles-demands-80-extra-policemen-following-latest-shootings/)
- [Two cars found on fire in Saint-Gilles on Saturday night - Brussels Times](https://www.brusselstimes.com/brussels/2284494/two-cars-found-on-fire-in-saint-gilles-on-saturday-night/)
- [Shooting in Saint-Gilles leaves one man injured - Brussels Times](https://www.brusselstimes.com/brussels/2284141/shooting-in-saint-gilles-leaves-one-man-injured/)

## French-speaking schools reopen as teachers warn of more protests
The new school year starts today in French-speaking education in Brussels, while Dutch-speaking schools reopen one week later. Teachers are returning amid frustration over reforms in both language networks, with some expecting further protests and questioning why school holidays are not aligned.

Sources:
- [L’école fait sa rentrée, la grogne des profs aussi - BX1](https://bx1.be/categories/news/lecole-fait-sa-rentree-la-grogne-des-profs-aussi/)
- [Entre impatience et appréhension, les Bruxellois se préparent à la rentrée - BX1](https://bx1.be/categories/news/entre-impatience-et-apprehension-les-bruxellois-se-preparent-a-la-rentree/)
- [Brusselse leerkrachten terug naar school: ‘Waarom trekken ze vakanties niet gelijk?' - BRUZZ](https://www.bruzz.be/actua/onderwijs/brusselse-leerkrachten-terug-naar-school-waarom-trekken-ze-vakanties-niet-gelijk-2026-08-24)

## Several Brussels roads closed for Sergeant-Major Olivier Francotte’s funeral
Several major roads in Brussels are closed this Monday because of the funeral of Sergeant-Major Olivier Francotte. Residents travelling through the affected axes should expect disruption during the ceremony.

Source:
- [Bruxelles : plusieurs axes fermés ce lundi en raison des funérailles du sergent-major... - BX1](https://bx1.be/categories/news/bruxelles-plusieurs-axes-fermes-ce-lundi-en-raison-des-funerailles-du-sergent-major-olivier-francotte/)

## Les Engagés wants STIB social-support funds shifted from Includo
Brussels MP Sofia Bennani of Les Engagés wants funding for Includo, STIB’s social assistance service, to be redirected. She argues the money should go to specialised homeless and social-support organisations, saying Samusocial has more expertise.

Source:
- [Les Engagés wil middelen voor Includo verschuiven: ‘Samusocial heeft meer expertise' - BRUZZ](https://www.bruzz.be/actua/mobiliteit/les-engages-wil-middelen-voor-includo-verschuiven-samusocial-heeft-meer-expertise-2026-08-24)

## Free Brussels platform uses AI to compare home renovation quotes
A Brussels platform is offering homeowners a free way to compare renovation quotes using artificial intelligence. The service is aimed at helping residents assess offers for renovation work before choosing a contractor.

Source:
- [Brussels platform uses AI to help homeowners compare renovation quotes for free - Brussels Times](https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/2280576/brussels-platform-uses-ai-to-help-homeowners-compare-renovation-quotes-for-free/)

## HappyLIFE Festival gathers 70 exhibitors around local consumption
The HappyLIFE Festival brought together 70 exhibitors focused on local consumption, crafts and the environment. The event highlights Brussels interest in more local and sustainable ways to shop and live.

Source:
- [Le HappyLIFE Festival : 70 exposants rassemblés autour de la consommation locale, de... - BX1](https://bx1.be/categories/news/le-happylife-festival-70-exposants-rassembles-autour-de-la-consommation-locale-de-lartisanat-et-de-lenvironnement/)