A revolutionary solar-powered plane is about to end a slow, symbolic journey across America by quietly buzzing the Statue of Liberty and landing in a city whose buildings often obscure the sun.

The Solar Impulse leaves from Washington on a journey planned for Saturday, depending on the weather. It will take hours for the journey — top speed is 45 mph (73 kph) — and there are none of the most basic comforts of flying.

President Barack Obama's push to fight global warming has triggered condemnation from the U.S. coal industry across the industrial Midwest, where state and local economies depend on the health of an energy sector facing strict new pollution limits.

But such concerns stretch even to New England, an environmentally focused region that long has felt the effects of drifting emissions from Rust Belt states.

Rapper 50 Cent denies allegations he attacked his ex-girlfriend and trashed her condo.

The "In da Club" singer's lawyer says there's no warrant outstanding on the domestic violence and vandalism charges against 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson.

Marion Bartoli wasted little time in advancing to her second Wimbledon final, dancing and grunting her way to a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Kirsten Flipkens on Thursday.

The 15th-seeded Frenchwoman jumped ahead 3-0 in the first set and broke early in the second for another 3-0 lead. Flipkens, a Belgian seeded 20th, was making her first semifinal appearance at a major tournament.

Australian veteran Simon Gerrans defends the yellow jersey as riders set off on Thursday's sixth stage of the Tour de France, a flat route that will favor sprinters like Mark Cavendish and Peter Sagan.

Cavendish shook off illness and a drop in form to earn his 24th career Tour stage win on Wednesday and close the gap on archrival Sagan in the contest for the top sprinter's green jersey.

Chelsea and Vitesse Arnhem have reached an agreement over the transfer of midfielder Marco van Ginkel to the English Premier League club.

The 20-year-old Dutch player will move to Stamford Bridge subject to a medical, agreement of personal terms and legal documentation, the Blues said in a statement on Thursday.

The Vatican has posted a 2.2 million euro ($2.85 million) budget surplus for 2012, an improvement from the previous year and some good news as it struggles to cope with a scandal involving its embattled bank.

In its annual financial statement Thursday, the Holy See said better management had helped it recover from one of its worst deficits a year earlier, when it booked a 14.9 million euro shortfall.

Ryan Giggs will have a player-coaching role next season at Manchester United, in a move that is likely to alleviate the pressure on new boss David Moyes.

The 39-year-old Giggs has spent his entire career at United since making his debut in 1991. He has been taking his coaching diplomas and is due to attain the UEFA Pro License, United said in a statement on Thursday.

Veteran Peru striker Claudio Pizarro has signed a one-year contract extension with Europe and Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich.

Pizarro is in his second spell at Bayern after returning to the club from Werder Bremen last year. In total, he has made 281 appearances for Bayern and scored 112 goals.

British babies born the same day as Prince William and Kate's first child will receive their own royal gift in the form of a "lucky" silver penny.

The Royal Mint announced Thursday that it has minted 2,013 silver coins bearing a shield of the Royal Arms, to be given to newborns who share their birthday with the third in line to the British throne.