Kamala Harris's Underdog Campaign, TikTok Crackdown, and Explosive Developments: A Whirlwind Week in US News

Vice President Kamala Harris positions herself as the 'underdog' in the presidential race against Donald Trump as they exchange harsh critiques. The U.S. DOJ defends a law mandating TikTok's sale due to national security concerns. Meanwhile, California faces its largest wildfire, and striking video game actors utilize Comic-Con for advocacy.

Vice President Kamala Harris cast herself as the 'underdog' in the presidential race, criticizing her Republican opponent Donald Trump, who labeled her 'evil,' 'sick,' and 'unhinged.' Harris's nomination followed President Joe Biden's withdrawal under pressure. Polls show Harris quickly erasing Trump's lead.

The U.S. Department of Justice urged a federal appeals court to maintain a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok's U.S. assets by Jan. 19, citing national security risks due to Chinese ownership. The DOJ argued that China could manipulate data via TikTok.

In California, the rapidly expanding Park Fire has consumed over 350,000 acres, making it the largest wildfire in the state. Thousands of firefighters are battling the blaze, which has surged in size within 24 hours.

At San Diego Comic-Con, striking video game actors voiced their concerns about artificial intelligence, calling for better protection in their contracts. SAG-AFTRA's Ray Rodriguez highlighted ongoing inadequacies in the proposals they've received.

Former Sinaloa Cartel chief Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada pleaded not guilty to U.S. drug charges. His arrest, alongside El Chapo's son's voluntary surrender, marks a significant milestone for U.S. law enforcement.