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A number of overexcited hacks are getting themselves into a premature state of enthusiasm over a very new and very red train that has just taken to the rails in Italy. This may be because of their having been given a freebie by the operator, and that this new beast has yet to be tested in revenue earning service -- which is the only proof of the pudding worth reporting on.

ROME — Aiming to ease budgetary pressure and spur growth, Prime Minister Mario Monti of Italy has announced cuts to state spending by the end of the year and appointed an expert from the private sector as a special commissioner to oversee the spending review.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting that broke up late Monday after more than five hours, Mr. Monti said the cuts of €4.2 billion, or $5.6 billion, from more than €700 billion in total state spending were designed to curb the growth of the public sector and reduce inefficiencies.

Sicily's Mount Etna wowed onlookers and researchers with yet another spectacular show last week. It was the restive peak's 25th dramatic lava display since the volcano ramped up activity in January 2011, and the seventh so far this year.

Mr Sollecito's father Francesco said that his son wanted to finish university and "live again". Mr Sollecito, now 28, met Miss Knox at a classical music concert in Perugia just days before Miss Kercher was found with her throat slit in the Umbrian hilltop town in November 2007.