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Here is the AP Lifestyles digest for the week of Oct. 12.

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TOP STORIES

Virus Outbreak-Virtual School Rules: Toys that look like weapons, barefoot students and pets roaming the room: all a clear violation of rules inside most American classrooms. But how do those standards translate when everyone is logging on from home? Schools are struggling to figure it out. SENT Monday, 800 words and photos. By Kathleen Foody.

Rethinking the Holidays: Some people are planning to cook their traditional Thanksgiving feast this year, but mail or deliver portions of it to family members who can’t travel as usual to be together. Others are holding early Christmas celebrations so they can sit with elderly parents outdoors, while the weather still allows it. As the holidays approach, the pandemic is forcing people to come up with creative ways to celebrate. By Melissa Rayworth. UPCOMING Thursday, 800 words, photos.

Poll-Virus-Outbreak-Caregiving: A new poll finds that the coronavirus pandemic has thrust many Americans into the role of caring for an older or disabled loved one for the first time. Caregivers overall say they’re encountering unforeseen risks and demands as a result of the virus, which has required them to devote greater time and effort to their mission. SENT Tuesday, photos.

Walmart-Black Friday: Walmart to spread out deals to avoid Black Friday crowds. SENT Wednesday, photos.

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GARDENING

After the Frost: Frost doesn’t mean the gardening season’s over. By Lee Reich. UPCOMING Wednesday, 550 words, photo.

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HEALTH

Virus-Outbreak-Viral-Questions-Illness: How long can I expect a COVID-19 illness to last? SENT Tuesday, photos.

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WORK

NerdWallet-Liz-Weston-Unplanned-Early-Retirement: Suddenly retired? Here’s what to do next. By Liz Weston of NerdWallet. SENT Monday, photo.

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PERSONAL FINANCE

On-The-Money-NerdWallet-Renters-Insurance-Surprises: Surprising things renters insurance covers — and leaves out. SENT Wednesday, photos.

NerdWallet-Millennial-Money-Crisis-Money-Habits: Use a crisis to build helpful money habits. SENT Tuesday, photo.

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CARS

Behind the Wheel-Car Value Myths: You’ve probably heard over the years a number of tips or myths regarding the value of your car. They might involve how quickly a new vehicle depreciates, for instance, or the biggest factor that influences the value of your used vehicle. But are they true, especially this year because of new pandemic-related market trends? Edmunds’ experts analyzed the most popular car value myths. UPCOMING Wednesday, photos.

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AND COMING NEXT WEEK: Gift Guides.

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In case you missed it:

FASHION: NYC-Motley Masks, AP Photo essay;

HEALTH: Virus-Outbreak-Viral-Questions-Mask-Etiquette; Virus Outbreak-Viral Questions-Superspreader Events.

GARDENING: Most Popular Seeds.

HOLIDAYS: Virus Outbreak-Holiday Shopping.

FOOD: Craft Cocktails at Home.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY: Virus Outbreak-One Good Thing-Family Ties; Virus Outbreak-One Good Thing-Tutu Girls.

DOWN TIME: Virus Outbreak-Gyms.

TRAVEL: Virus Outbreak-Walking Tours; Virus Outbreak-Hawaii-Travel Testing; Monuments Project.

HOMES: NerdWallet-Liz-Weston-Homeowners-Insurance-Surprise.

The AP