2024 U S election live updates:

2024  U S election live updates:

 Trump and Harris crisscross Pennsylvania as polls show candidates in dead heat

After months of campaigning, Election Day is almost finally here.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are spending election eve giving their final pitches to voters in battleground states.

Trump is hosting rallies in Raleigh, N.C., Reading and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania before heading to Grand Rapids, Mich. for a final event.

Harris is also spending election eve in the Keystone State, hosting campaign events in Allentown, Pittsburgh and finally, Philadelphia to close out the night.--------------------------------------

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are spending election eve giving their final pitches to voters in battleground states.

Trump is hosting rallies in Raleigh, N.C., Reading and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania before heading to Grand Rapids, Mich. for a final event.

Harris is also spending election eve in the Keystone State, hosting campaign events in Allentown, Pittsburgh and finally, Philadelphia to close out the night.

Stick with Yahoo News for full coverage of Election Day and beyond. Never miss a big story. Subscribe to get email alerts as news breaks.

Former President Donald Trump's betting lead over Vice President Kamala Harris nearly collapsed in the final full week of the 2024 campaign.

Trump was favored at U.K. bookmaker Bet 365 standing at -188 a week ago whereas his odds as of the dawn of the Monday before Election Day stand at -138. Harris's odds shortened from +150 to +120 at the bookmaker.

The narrowest spread in the action, which U.S. bookmakers cannot take part in, came from offshore bookmaker Bet Online, which had Trump at +140 and Harris at -120.

The collapse comes as the impact of statement made against Puerto Ricans by a speaker at Trump's campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York landed in communities in swing states, including in pivotal Pennsylvania.

The final week saw a poll released by the Des Moines Register − a part of the USA TODAY Network − that showed Harris ahead in Iowa, though within the poll's margin of error. The poll was a head turner as the state had been considered a safe Trump stronghold.

“It’s hard for anybody to say they saw this coming,” pollster J. Ann Selzer, president of Selzer & Co who conducted the poll for The Register. "She has clearly leaped into a leading position."

Presidential betting odds timeline

Presidential betting odds as of 11/4

Bet 365

Donald Trump: -138

Kamala Harris: +12

Bovada

Donald Trump: -140

Kamala Harris: +120

BetOnline

Donald Trump: -140

Kamala Harris: +120

Oddschecker

Donald Trump: -133

Kamala Harris: +150

How accurate have election odds been in past presidential elections?

The betting favorite has only  lost twice  since 1866, according to the Conversation, a nonprofit news organization.

The most recent upset came in 2016 when then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was favored over Trump throughout the campaign, only to lose.

The other upset came in 1948, when Democrat Harry Truman beat eight-to-one odds to defeat Republican Thomas Dewey.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's betting odds lead over Harris nearly collapses in final week

You don’t have to sacrifice the sweets you adore.

11 Simple Ways to Reduce Sugar Intake Without Skipping Dessert

You don’t have to sacrifice the sweets you adore. 

Reducing sugar consumption is one of the healthiest choices you can make. However, staying mindful about sugar doesn’t mean you need to forgo dessert after meals. Implementing small adjustments can help you lower your sugar intake while still indulging. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), monitoring your sugar consumption is vital for a heart-healthy lifestyle, especially if you're dealing with diabetes or prediabetes. Excessive added sugars in sweets, sugary drinks, and candies can lead to unwanted weight gain and increased blood sugar levels. Here are ways to enjoy dessert without a sugar overload:

1. **Modify Recipes**

   Continue baking by simply reducing the sugar in your recipes. Cutting the sugar amount in cookies, brownies, or cakes by one-third to one-half often goes unnoticed.

2. **Learn to Read Labels**

   Check dessert nutrition facts, particularly for added sugars. Always review the “added sugars” section on packaged foods to choose options with little or no added sugars.

3. **Skip Low-Fat Yogurts**

   Many low-fat yogurts contain high amounts of added sugar. Opt for plain or natural yogurt, which has some naturally occurring sugars and provides health benefits like calcium. Pair Greek yogurt with fresh fruit for a satisfying low-sugar dessert.

4. **Adjust Your Taste Buds**

   Train your taste buds to enjoy desserts with lower sugar content. Low and no-calorie sweeteners can help ease the transition as you learn to savor less sweet foods.

5. **Sweeten Creatively**

   Use unsweetened items like whole-wheat cereal or oatmeal and sweeten them with healthy options like fruit or a drizzle of honey, allowing you to control your sugar intake while adding fiber and nutrients.

6. **Be Selective with Sugary Drinks**

   Avoid drinking sugar calories; reserve them for dessert. Opt for healthier alternatives like low-fat milk, sparkling water, or herbal teas. Infusing water with fruits or herbs also makes for a refreshing option.

7. **Choose Homemade Over Processed**

   There's a significant difference between homemade cakes and store-bought varieties, which often hide unwanted sugars in processed foods. Cooking from scratch gives you better control over sugar content.

8. **Use Spices for Flavor**

   Enhance dishes with warm spices instead of sugar. Consider using ginger, cinnamon, or nutmeg to develop rich flavors without relying on sweeteners.

9. **Practice Portion Control**

   Savor desserts by adjusting portion sizes—enjoy smaller amounts of your favorite treats. Understanding serving sizes aids in reducing overall sugar consumption.

10. **Incorporate Flavor Extracts**

    Use flavor extracts like vanilla, almond, or citrus to give desserts a sweet aroma without the sugar content. This allows you to lessen added sugar in recipes.

11. **Allow Yourself Indulgences**

    If you've maintained a balanced diet throughout the week, treat yourself occasionally without guilt. Enjoy a serving of ice cream or a sweet drink as a reward for healthy eating.

This advice is intended for informative purposes and should not replace professional consultation. Always refer to your healthcare provider regarding any medication or health-related queries.