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The number of lives lost in what is now the nation's deadliest fire is likely to rise with only a small portion of the structures in Lahaina searched by cadaver dogs so far.

Several cadaver dogs from Southern California fire departments on Sunday were on their way to Maui to assist in the ongoing search for victims.

Here are some of the stories making headlines this morning, Mon., Aug. 14, 2023, in Bakersfield and Kern County.

Latest Kern County, California and US & world news from 23ABC in Bakersfield, Calif.

Inclusivity and collaboration are 2 of the goals behind the Southeast Initiative, a new community-led project that could bring almost $30 million in grants to make improvements to streets, parks, and other elements of the city. City officials, including Bakersfield's Vice Mayor and Ward 2 Councilmember Andrae Gonzales, say the southeast is one of the most disadvantaged areas in the city, which is why they are working with residents to implement change. 23ABC's Breanna Polk spoke with Gonzales to learn more about the initiative.

The first day of school is still several days away, but for many student athletes, including the Blades of East Bakersfield High School, practice is already underway. With the summer heat still on, the Blades football program is working to keep players safe. 23ABC's Ruby Rivera visited East High to find out more.

Whether it's the Mayo Clinic, the University of Southern California, or Forbes, all sorts of studies show there are benefits to welcoming dogs into the office. That could be reducing anxiety, keeping active, or combating loneliness and stress. Clay Lepard shows us that is leading to some unexpected places embracing dogs.

Hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts are in South Dakota for the Sturgis Rally. But not all of them are riding hogs. Some of them are cruising on wheelbarrows, jet skis, and even a couch!

There are new details into Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. The non-profit journalism outfit ProPublica alleges Thomas accepted more luxury vacations and gifts from wealthy individuals and didn't report receiving them.

New details in the ongoing investigation into President Joe Biden's son. Federal prosecutors announced that the plea deal between Hunter Biden and the Delaware U.S. Attorney's Office is at an impasse. Today, Attorney General Merrick Garland elevated the U.S. attorney handling the case to a special counsel.

Rescuers in Maui are scrambling to find missing residents who may be trapped by fires still burning across parts of the Hawaiian island. The death toll there is expected to rise from 55 in the coming hours. While federal disaster aid has been approved many fire survivors in Maui say assistance is coming too slowly and their daily struggle is worsening.

"Enter the Dragon," the film that made Bruce Lee an international superstar, is returning to the big screen for its 50th anniversary. Plus, Selena Gomez is hosting her first "Rare Impact Fund Benefit" in support of youth mental health organizations.

Authorities in California are issuing a warning after a recent spike in drownings and near-drownings at Lake Tahoe.

The search for survivors continues on the Hawaiian island of Maui, where the flames are being blamed for more than 50 deaths.

Thursday marked the return of Agricultural Worker Health Day, and dozens of farmworkers gathered in Arvin to be recognized for their hard labor and provided with health care services and resources. Clinica Sierra Vista has partnered with local organizations to provide free food and to remind Kern County's agricultural workers about the resources that are available to them. 23ABC's Breanna Polk visited the event to find out more.

The chances are very good that anyone living in the Central Valley knows someone who has been impacted by Valley Fever. The Centers for Disease Control estimates 20,000 new cases of Valley Fever are diagnosed each year, and as of now, there is no vaccine to help prevent it. However, there is hope that in the future, that could change. 23ABC's Ruby Rivera has more.

President Biden was in Utah marking the one-year anniversary of a law that boosts health benefits for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits. The bipartisan pact act speeds up the qualification process and creates regular screenings. It also adds facilities, research, and healthcare workers.

A developing story out of Iran where the U.S. State Department says five Americans have been released from the notorious Evin prison and placed on house arrest. ABC News learning the U.S. and Iran reached this agreement after months of quiet negotiations.

Bringing down high price inflation is no easy task. And Thursday’s numbers from the federal government show just how challenging it is. A look at where and why consumers are still feeling the squeeze

Join Kern Living host Ryan Nelson as he chats with Alina Dermendjian, an attorney with B&D Law, about wrongful death lawsuits.

Join Kern Living host Ryan Nelson as he interviews Karin Harmon and Perrin Swanson, actors in the upcoming Stars Playhouse production of "Bernhardt/Hamlet."

Join host Ryan Nelson as he prepares for the Champagne and Roses tour with Robin Thicke, Ne-Yo, and Mario.

Ann Walker, Supervising Nurse and Immunization Coordinator with Kern County Public Health, stopped by to talk about back-to-school vaccinations.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has suspended a top state prosecutor accusing her of being too lenient on violent criminals. The Democratic official who won her race in a landslide insists the governor's decision was not about performance but about politics as he runs for president.

Today is opening day for the Iowa State Fair. Over the next 11 days, presidential candidates will do whatever they can to get closer to voters. But why does the fair plays such a key role in the campaign season?