The day before American Idol's Charlotte auditions, these hopeful performers ready themselves outside the Time Warner Cable Arena. Video: Tanner Latham

St. John's interim head coach Mike Dunlap directs his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game won 81-59 by Kentucky in Lexington, KY., Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011. Photo: Charlotte Observer.

The W.A. Hough High girls' soccer team poses for a picture with their trophy and banner. Photo: Christina Ritchie Rogers / CorneliusNews.net)

North Carolina lawmakers are looking into an instance where the Governor's Office did some creative editing or forgery depending on your view. The governor's deputy chief changed the wording and meaning of a letter from a state Department of Transportation official. The matter involves funding for two major road projects, one of which is the Garden Parkway toll road through Gaston County. The Raleigh News and Observer broke the story Tuesday.

The Charlotte City Council has about a week to come up with an alternative budget. Last week, council unexpectedly voted down an 8 percent property tax increase in a 6-to-5 vote. Mayor Anthony Foxx Wednesday suggested trimming some projects from the budget that aren't scheduled until 2018.

A new police station off Independence, an upgraded intersection in east Charlotte, and improvements along North Tryon to make way for a light rail line are among the projects scheduled for 2018. All together they account for about $124 million.

The property is off I-77 Exit 30, behind Homewood Suites.