All content by Ashley Simons
![A nightclub with purple-blue lighting full of people. From the ceiling hangs a disco ball.](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/KiranKomanduri_Elsewhere_10-12-23_DSCF4601-1200x800.jpg)
8 birthday bash ideas for every type of party-goer in New York City
Throwing yourself a party can be tricky, especially with so many options in the city to choose from. Here are eight ideas for every type of celebrant.
Ashley Simons, Contributing Writer
• April 15, 2024
![A large brown building with castle-like turrets and rows of windows.](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1.FortTottenPark-1200x800.png)
More than Manhattan: 4 must-see spots to visit this spring break
Staying in New York City for spring break? Explore these hidden gems over the next week.
Ashley Simons, Contributing Writer
• March 15, 2024
![The exterior of a marketplace where two neon light signs that say “ESSEX MARKET” are placed above the entrance.](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/culture-foodmarkets-essex-1200x800.jpg)
Savor global flavors at these 5 vibrant food markets
Ditch your mundane dining routine and explore the vibrant tapestry of New York City’s public food markets.
Ashley Simons, Contributing Writer
• February 23, 2024
![A replicate model of the cruise ship Titanic showcasing its internal structures. The model is placed in a transparent display case lit up by dim, blue lighting.](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/arts-titanic-feature-900x675.jpg)
111 years later, the Titanic arrives in New York City
Experience the Titanic at the port it never reached. Immerse yourself in first class, touch an iceberg and view survivors' belongings.
Ashley Simons, Contributing Writer
• April 27, 2023
![An illustration of a light blue Cooley jukebox and a box of vinyl records labeled “ten dollars each.”](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/arts-record-store-day-900x675.png)
The best NYC record stores participating in Record Store Day
On April 22, celebrate your favorite record stores and artists with over 300 exclusive vinyl releases.
Ashley Simons, Contributing Writer
• April 21, 2023
![A black and white photograph of people on the right side holding their hands up. They are surrounded by men in uniform.](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/arts-the-sorrow-and-the-pity.jpg)
Review: ‘The Sorrow and the Pity’: Once illegal, now in theaters
The film returned to theaters on Feb. 24, 50 years after director Marcel Ophuls exposed how the French Vichy government secretly collaborated with the Nazis during World War II.
Ashley Simons, Contributing Writer
• February 27, 2023
![The exterior of the Canal Street Market. There are gray columns with clear windows. On the windows are white and orange logo of the Canal Street Market.](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/culture-dining-canalstmarket-2-900x600.png)
A real red wave: Year of the Rabbit on Canal Street
Celebrate Lunar New Year and embrace the festivities by supporting small AAPI businesses at Canal Street Market.
Ashley Simons, Contributing Writer
• February 3, 2023
![(Matt Petres for WSN)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/news-kimmelstairs-1200x799.jpg)
Amanda Chen, Deputy News Editor • February 12, 2025
![(Levi Langley for WSN)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_0880-2-2-1200x800.jpg)
Amelia Hernandez Gioia, Deputy News Editor • February 12, 2025
![(Kevin Wu for WSN)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ops-subway-2-1200x800.jpg)
Steven Wang, Staff Writer • February 12, 2025
![(Krish Dev for WSN)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/antisemitism-1200x819.jpg)
![(Sidney Snider for WSN)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/dlsbc-1200x800.jpeg)
Maggie Turner, Deputy Under the Arch Editor • February 12, 2025