France rocked by student riots as hundreds arrested, violence spreads nationwide

More than 625 people, mostly students, have been arrested over two days of violent protests near schools and universities across France over what students say are staffing shortages, dilapidated buildings, overcrowded classes, government budget cuts and long schedules.Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened a crisis meeting Thursday, canceling ministers’ trips to focus on the protests, which began last week in Paris-region schools and have snowballed. EUROPE’S LEFT COUR