Here's a look at how AP's general news coverage is shaping up today in New Jersey. Questions about today's coverage plans are welcome and should be directed to the AP’s New Jersey bureau at 609-392-3622.

A reminder this information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change. Expected stories may not develop, or late-breaking and more newsworthy events may take precedence. Advisories, digests and digest advisories will keep you up to date.

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TOP STORIES:

TAX INCENTIVES

The tests used by a New Jersey agency responsible for awarding millions of dollars in tax breaks to businesses had deficiencies that may have lead to improperly awarded incentives, a task force said Thursday. By Mike Catalini. SENT: 500 words.

HARD ROCK-ATLANTIC CITY

ATLANTIC CITY — The CEO of Hard Rock International says Atlantic City “is going in the wrong direction” and is in worse shape than when the global entertainment company bought its casino here nearly three years ago. Jim Allen said the company is willing to be part of the solution in Atlantic City, but is not encouraged by recent developments. He cited traffic lights that have been out for two months. Mayor Marty Small says he has made positive changes in his 103 days in office. Small says he has been working with the electric company and a state agency responsible for planning in the city to restore functioning traffic lights. By Wayne Parry. SENT: 648 words, photos

RELIGION-MUSLIM GIRL MEDIA EMPIRE

NEW YORK — The MuslimGirl.com website was started by a New Jersey teenager in her bedroom as a way to defy Muslim stereotypes after 9/11. A decade later, Amani Al-Khatahtbeh has built it into an online magazine with a global audience. The site covers everything from how it feels to be the only woman wearing a hijab at a kickboxing class, to beauty tips and stories of teenagers fighting Islamophobia. Last year, the domain that once cost $7 had more than 2 million visitors. She says the site is the biggest English-language online platform for Muslim women voices. By Luis Andres Henao. SENT: 973 words.

GRAMMYWATCH-GAYNOR

NEW YORK — Gloria Gaynor won her first and only Grammy for “I Will Survive in 1980. She now has a chance to win two more trophies thanks to her inspirational album “Testimony, which is nominated for best roots gospel album, and “Talking About Jesus,” which is up for best gospel performance. She's giddy to get back in the Grammy mix. Gaynor says she's hoping she could win at least one Grammy, and adds it would be “awesome” if she could win them both. The Grammys will be presented on Jan. 26 in Los Angeles. By Nekesa Mumbi Moody. SENT: 966 words, photos.

AROUND THE STATE:

— STRAY BULLET-GIRL KILLED — A jury has returned a mixed verdict for the first of four defendants to stand trial in the death of a 9-year-old girl hit by a stray bullet as she slept in her bed in her home.

— FIERY TURNPIKE CRASH — Motorists faced heavy delays early Thursday on a stretch of the New Jersey Turnpike as crews c cleaned up after a tanker truck carrying propane overturned and burst into flames.

— JETLINER-EMERGENCY LANDING — Maintenance crews are inspecting a United Airlines jetliner that returned to New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport after it experienced engine trouble and flames were seen near a wing.

— WIDOW-STOLEN FUNDS — Five family members and another person stole more than $1.4 million from a widow who was under the family’s care.

— NEWARK AIRPORT-GUN — An Alabama man who allegedly had a gun in his luggage at Newark Liberty International Airport is now facing a weapons charge.

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