Casey Mendoza

Casey Mendoza

Casey Mendoza

Entertainment Correspondent

Casey Mendoza sees pop culture through the lens of social issues, politics, history and technology. From the growing dominance of streaming, the democratized influence of online fandoms and the nuanced discussions about equity and inclusion in Hollywood, she's covered all things related to the ever-evolving entertainment industry. She feels most home at any comic-con around the country, or in her own living room, watching a romantic comedy with her husband and two cats.

Recent Work
A man putting an engagement ring on a woman.

The evolution of engagements and rings as symbols of commitment

Outside of a movie theater

Thanksgiving box office underwhelming for Hollywood insiders

AMC theater

Why aren't there as many Thanksgiving movies as Christmas movies?

Spann Elementary School students board a school bus in Jackson, Mississippi.

Why are school buses yellow?

Items included in the Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction: London 2023.

From pop stars to film props, high-end rarities hit the auction block

In Real Life: After Twitter

In Real Life: After Twitter

Pepper X peppers.

Spicy food industry on fire as more eaters seek the heat

Kids in a classroom.

4-day school weeks growing in popularity

People travel through Salt Lake City International Airport.

Inflation prompting Americans to rethink their holiday travel plans

Juan Zuniga, a first-year deckhand on the Agnes Sabine fishing boat.

In a surging seafood industry, boat captains struggle to find workers

Woman watching a scary movie.

Why do so many people love horror movies?

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.

The influence of Swift-Kelce's rumored romance on businesses

Cigarette butts in an ashtray

Smoking on TV shows and social media causes problems for young adults

A couple holding hands

Why are we so 'attached' to the concept of attachment styles?

Trump merch on t-shirts

Historic mug shot is ammo for Trump allies and enemies

The cast of women of Abbott Elementary

A record-breaking number of women are leading TV's most popular shows

Medical staff control fluids in an operating room

Millions are losing Medicaid insurance as COVID-era rule ends

An image from Netflix's "Maestro" is shown.

What is Jewface, and why is Bradley Cooper being accused of it?

Marvel Studios exhibit at the D23 Expo.

Could AI technology disrupt the visual effects industry?

A Black Josei Press comic book illustration.

Comic book company highlights Black, marginalized comics

A hissing cat

Why do cats hiss at us?

Guests walk outside the Comic-Con convention center.

Actors advocate for protections against AI at San Diego Comic-Con

Malibu Barbie Cafe

A look back at Barbie's history

San Diego Comic-Con sign

How will writers and actors strikes affect San Diego's Comic Con?

UC Davis medical staff

How med school admissions could work post-affirmative action

Hurricane storm Arlene

Climate researchers predicting above-average hurricane season

Louis Tomlinson

Do we need better procedures for severe weather at concerts?

Pride flag.

The history behind the ubiquitous Pride flag

Residents in Jackson, Mississippi take delivery of bottled water

Feds pump $115 million into Jackson, Mississippi, water system

A picture of ruby red slippers from "The Wizard of Oz" are shown.

Ongoing trial may uncover mystery of stolen 'Wizard of Oz' slippers