Teenager loses hand in French school protest

A 15-year-old student lost his hand after picking up a stun grenade during school protests in Lens, France, on Monday, according to La Voix du Nord. Hundreds of French schools are closed due to the demonstrations. The incident occurred outside a high school in the former industrial town. Since late September, teenagers have barricaded entrances at hundreds of schools, angry over absent teachers, long school days, and dilapidated buildings. Nearly 500 high schools are fully or partially shut Monday. The protests began at one Paris school in support of striking teachers, then spread nationwide with clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Authorities claim far-left activists infiltrated the movement, and the unrest comes at a bad time for President Emmanuel Macron ahead of spring elections. Further escalation is expected Tuesday.