Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Is Using Her Instagram to Give Us the Civics Lessons We Didn’t Know We Needed

Following the sometimes trying, but always entertaining journey that congressperson-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has gone on this year in her journey to elected office, we’ve learned so much about the electoral process and what happens between Election Day and Inauguration Day, which happens nearly three months later.

Now, Ocasio-Cortez is using her social media prowess to give us an insider’s look at just what happens when newly elected legislators arrive at the capitol, sharing Instagram stories that give us the civics lessons we didn’t know we needed.

In the last week alone, the 30-year-old Democratic Socialist from New York has taught us that before inauguration, newly-elected officials can’t take a salaried job — which has meant, in her case, being forced to live off the meager savings she squirreled away at the start of her campaign until she can actually afford to move to Washington.

We also learned that for first-timers like her and the other history-making congresspeople heading to DC, there is often confusion among Washington insiders over who’s who. For the young Latina upstart, that confusion has expressed itself in people confusing her for a DC intern or political spouse. But now that she’s there and learning how to do the job she’s been elected to do, Ocasio-Cortez is pulling back the veil that has kept so many of us from fully understanding how our government even works.

Elle points out that, over the last few days, she’s shown herself sitting with her cohort of newly-elected women in the House, given us a sneak peek at the secured technology she’ll be using for work, and shown us that there’s a yearbook with info on every single freshman to help people in Congress learn who their new colleagues are.

Beyond that, Ocasio-Cortez’s wonder, excitement, and surprise at how things happen at the federal legislative branch not only shed light onto what’s historically been an old boys’ club (and a highly secretive one at that) but also make the world of politics feel accessible for millions of Americans who may never have been politically engaged before.

While other politicians (we won’t name names!) may opt to use their social media to divide the electorate, or simply provide rote information for their constituents, Ocasio-Cortez is bringing youth and excitement to DC, and to political communication. She’s allowing us all to learn alongside her, to get a taste for how Washington runs, and even giving us a glimpse at those first-day jitters — something we can all relate to.

Representation matters, especially in politics. And beyond the racial, age, and gender groups of the new cohort of elected officials, following this journey from working-class American to federal legislator puts us right in the action, bringing hope and trust to the people. And that’s what politics should truly be about.

(Photo by Rick Loomis/Getty Images)

As soon as we swap our sandals and summer dresses for cozy sweaters, we start getting in the mood to watch Hocus Pocus. The original 1993 film is full of nostalgia, laughs, and impeccable New England fall foliage. After 2022's sequel broke records across the board, we learned that Hocus Pocus 3 in the series is officially in the works. Start planning your group Halloween costume — the holiday's come early!

Will there be a Hocus Pocus 3?

Matt Kennedy/Disney

Yes, Hocus Pocus 3 is in development! In a recent interview with The New York Times, Walt Disney Pictures president Sean Bailey confirmed the three-quel is in development.

When will Hocus Pocus 3 come out?

Matt Kennedy/Disney

We don't have an official release date for Hocus Pocus 3 yet, and Bette Midler recently revealed she hasn't actually seen a script yet. “I haven’t seen the script, but I’ve heard rumblings,” she said. “I think if they’re gonna, they oughta, because time is not just marching, time is barrel-assing to the finish line. Get us while we’re still breathing, I mean, God!”

Where is Hocus Pocus 3 being filmed?

Matt Kennedy/Disney

Hocus Pocus and its sequel were filmed in Salem, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, respectively, so we're expecting Hocus Pocus 3 to be filmed in New England as well!

Who's returning for Hocus Pocus 3?

Matt Kennedy/Disney

We don't have official cast news yet, but we're hoping Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy return as the Sanderson Sisters. "I'd love to have a franchise — especially a character I love playing," Bette tells EW. "If there was a third one, of course I'd sign on, but I don't know how. I can't imagine what the story would be, but I love Winifred, Sarah, Mary, and our relationship. It's good for women."

While we haven't gotten a cast list yet, we do know who's hoping to join the third film: drag star Symone (winner of RuPaul's Drag Race season 13). "I know they're doing [Hocus Pocus] 3, if they want to get my number, my phone box is open," she says in an interview with EW. "I would love to be a witch of some kind...I might be a villain, come into my own little power, have my own little coven. I would love that. Can't you see it?"

Will Thora Birch be in Hocus Pocus 3?

Walt Disney Pictures/Buena Vista Pictures/IMDb

At the NYC premiere of Hocus Pocus 2, screenwriter Jen D’Angelo said she hopes we'll see Max (Omri Katz) and Allison (Vinessa) from the original film again. However, so far, there's no word on whether Thora Birch, Vinessa, or Omri will return.

“We tried so hard to get the original cast back for cameos and then it just kept not working out for one reason or the other,” D’Angelo said, via Variety. “But I’m hoping in Hocus Pocus 3, we’ll see Max and Alison living in California.” We hope so too!

Where can I watch the movie?

Disney+

You can watch both Hocus Pocusand Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+, so it's safe to assume the new film will hit the streaming platform as well.

Was the first Hocus Pocus a flop?

Buena Vista Pictures/Walt Disney Studios

The original Hocus Pocus grossed $8.1 million after its July release, and dropped out of the top ten two weeks later. And since then, it has become a cult classic and fan favorite!

Are the Sanderson sisters real?

Matt Kennedy/Disney

While the Sanderson sisters are fictional, they were inspired by three sisters who were accused of witchcraft in Salem: Rebecca Towne Nurse, Mary Towne Easty, and Sarah Towne Cloyce.

Who are the 3 sisters in Hocus Pocus?

Matt Kennedy/Disney

Winifred (Bette Midler), Mary (Kathy Najimy), and Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) Sanderson are the three witchy sisters who want to stay young forever by feeding off the children of Salem.

Is there a 4th Sanderson sister?

Matt Kennedy/Disney

Yes, there's a fourth Sanderson sister in the Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel book. In the story, new girl in town Isabella (who also happens to be who Max and Allison's daughter Poppy is crushing on) is a descendant of secret Sanderson sister Elizabeth!

Let us know what you think about Hocus Pocus 3 on Twitter and follow us on Facebook for more breaking movie news!

This post has been updated.

I'm always keeping an eye out for any and every kind of update from the Bridgerton cast. From adorable red carpet reunions to the stars who are actually dating IRL, this is one cast that truly loves each other. And that love makes their onscreen interactions even better! While Bridgerton season 3 ended in June, and we probably won't see season 4 until 2026, we did just get a Bridgerton cast reunion that will totally hold us all over until we finally get new episodes.

Nicola Coughlan (who plays Penelope Featherington — er, Bridgerton — on the show) and Hannah Dodd (Francesca Bridgerton) reunited to sit front row at Gucci's Milan Fashion Week show on September 20. "Thank you @sabatods for a beautiful show and a class party after," Nicola said on Instagram, while Hannah added, "@sabatods you are magic. 💛 u @gucci - thank you for a gorgeous trip x."

The two actresses sat beside Daisy Edgar-Jones and Dakota Johnson, and looked stunning in complementary outfits that were totally giving Mary Kate and Ashley.

Hannah rocked a white button down and jeans with pointed-toe heels and a camel-colored bag, while Nicola paired the dreamiest capelet and white button down dress with bejeweled heels. And TBH, this duo has me dreaming about what Bridgerton would look like in 2024!

Netflix

Now that the Ton knows Penelope is Lady Whistledown, she's going to have all kinds of celebrity that would totally score her a front row ticket to fashion week in the present day. And as a former wallflower, I think Penelope sees and understands shy Francesca in a really special way.

Ahead of Bridgerton season 3, Nicola told Brit + Co that she loved seeing Penelope "finding her self-worth — that side of her I really loved getting to play." Hannah also admitted she feels a similar shyness to Francesca amid the buzz of joining the global phenomenon.

"I'm so excited to see what the writers come up with," she saidof Bridgerton's (and Francesca's) future. "I just hope she steps into herself a little bit more and kind of goes after things that make her happy, and knows that she's deserving of that. But I'm new here. So, like anything they give me, I'm gonna be happy with."

I can't wait to see how these characters continue to grow and evolve, and I hope we get another Bridgerton reunion soon!

Tell us your favorite Bridgerton cast moment in the comments and check out our interview with the cast!

Party plans at the 11th hour? We've got you covered with last-minute Halloween snacks that are easy to throw together! Spooky Halloween cookies call for tons of creativity, while make-ahead recipes require actually knowing that you're going to a party in the first place. While finding a last-minute costume that doesn't make your plan to stay in and watchHalloween movies alone in your jammies too obvious, cooking or baking a mysterious masterpiece seems out of the question – but it's not! Ahead, find some of the best last-minute Halloween snacks that are JUST the right amount of spooky.

Brit + Co

Monster Avocado Toasts

If you want to celebrate Halloween without eating a ton of junk, try our avocado toast faces. It's the perfect start to Halloween morning — before the Halloween partyprep begins! (via Brit + Co.)

Brit + Co

Deviled Egg Brains

These savory snack bites totally give us the creepy crawlies! Trust us, they're still yummy, though. (via Brit + Co.)

Brit + Co

Spider Halloween Cookies

These sweet spideys should only take you about 40 minutes to finish! Once they're cooled, you'll be all set for your Halloween get-together. (via Brit + Co.)

Brit + Co

Mummy Pizzas

These mummified pizza pies are made easy with store-bought ciabatta bread and some hearty toppings. (via Brit + Co.)

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

The decorated pumpkin faces on these seasonal-flavored cookies provide the perfect amount of spooky! (via Brit + Co.)

Half Baked Harvest

Roasted Pumpkin Seed Hummus

Homemade hummus is SO much better than the store-bought stuff — and it's easy to make. In less than 30 minutes, you'll be ready to rock with a bright orange Halloween hummus. (Half Baked Harvest)

Chelsea's Messy Apron

Mummy Milanos

When you're in a pinch, there's nothing wrong with ripping open a bag of cookies and adding your own spooky twist. This recipe turns Milanos into mummies with the help of some melted white chocolate. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

Chopstick Chronicles

Sushi Balls, Halloween Style

We know what you're thinking — sushi isn't exactly easy to create — but hear us out. These eerie sushi balls are way easier to put together than sushi rolls and require a lot less skill and equipment. It's also mess-free! (via Chopstick Chronicles)

Gimme Some Oven

Brownie Spiders

These little cuties are the perfect last-minute snack to put together if you're less into gory-ness and more into adorably-ness. Feeling iffy over the commitment of baking? Don't sweat it — these are done in 35 minutes. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Simply Sated

Witch Finger Pretzels

As far as quick and simple snacks go, you can't compete with dipping already delicious pretzels into already delicious chocolate. The best part of these treats is that they come out look gruesome and amazing. (via Simply Sated)

A Spicy Perspective

Halloween Fruit Skewers

A healthy-ish treat, these fruit skewers get a little bit of Halloween when a few pieces of candy are in the mix. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Food Fanatic

Deviled Egg Eyeballs

Deviled eggs sound perfect for Halloween on their own. When you add a healthy helping of beet puree to the mix, this wholesome snack hits a whole new level of creepy, or take a different route by making spider web deviled eggs. (via Food Fanatic)

Well Plated

Graveyard Chocolate Cheesecake Dip

Having to whip up a themed snack at the last minute is a grave situation. It's a good thing THIS grave, topped with crunchy cookie dirt, only takes 20 minutes to put together. (via Well Plated)

Mitzy At Home

White Chocolate Ghosts and Mummies

It's hard to find anything cuter than ghost-themed desserts; it's those little eyes. These sweet boos are easy to make and need to chill for 30 minutes, so you can place them in the fridge while you get ready. (Mitzy At Home)

Baking Beauty

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

The flavors of cream cheese and sharp cheddar are scary good together. Also, you basically get to dunk chips into chips, so it's near impossible to disappoint a crowd with a snack like this. Did we mention it only takes 20 minutes to make? (via Baking Beauty)

Damn Delicious

Mummy Hot Dogs

Hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls are fantastic any time of the year, but we're especially in love with them on Halloween. Wrapped up to look like mummies, these bites are great for adult and kid parties alike. (via Damn Delicious)

The Miniature Moose

Sweet and Salty Halloween Snack Mix

With no cooking required, this halloween snack is all ease and no fuss; just toss some sweet and savory snacks together and you're good to go. The frightening part is that they're incredibly addicting, so beware. (via The Miniature Moose)

A Zesty Bite

Oreo Spider Web Cookies

We're confident that Oreos are loved universally, so there is no way to go wrong with this snack because it is SO right. The best way to wash these spiders out? A tall glass of cold milk, of course. (via A Zesty Bite)

Stacey Homemaker

Halloween Graveyard Pizza

When doom hits, nothing saves the day quite like pizza; pizza fixes everything. In under 30 minutes, you too can save the day with this cheesy pizza — complete with eyeballs and tongues. (via Stacey Homemaker)

Chelsea's Messy Apron

Easy Spider Oreo Balls

If you're after that beloved Oreo flavor, but want to jazz things up in a most spine-chilling way, these spider Oreo balls will do the trick. In 30 minutes you can have these sweet and spooky critters on a platter, ready to go. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

Half Baked Harvest

Black Widow Peanut Butter Bars

Salty, sweet, and easier than you'd think, these peanut butter bars are made with pantry staples and candy. (via Half Baked Harvest)

A Spicy Perspective

Halloween Popcorn Mix

Coat dry, salted popcorn with a purple melted candy coating and add sprinkles and your favorite Halloween candy to make this snack mix. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Amanda Wilens

Halloween Rice Krispy Treats

Rice Krispy treats get a Halloween twist when you add festive sprinkles and a few eyeballs to mix. (via Amanda Wilens)

Salt & Lavender

Halloween Puppy Chow

Chocolate, peanut butter, and plenty of Halloween sprinkles give new life to Chex cereal, and it only takes 15 minutes to make. (via Salt & Lavender)

Halloween snacks are not only tasty, but they're fun to make, share and eat! With Halloween just around the corner, we're sure these spooky snacks will win over every guest at your Halloween bash!

For more spooky Halloween snack ideas + treats, check us out on Pinterest!

This article has been updated from a previous post with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.