Officials are draining the water from Lake Lure to remove sediment and debris, revealing historic objects embedded in the dry lakebed

An iconic tourist attraction in an area of western North Carolina among the hardest hit by Hurricane Helene reopened to the public on Friday, nine months after the storm brought historic flooding, destruction and loss of life.

Republican legislative leaders -- who have failed to reach a deal on the broader state budget -- appeared close to reaching an accord on additional funding for Hurricane Helene recovery.