Assumption students tried to set up a sting on Tinder. It all went terribly wrong.

A To Catch a Predator plot blew up at Assumption University in Worcester in 2024. Everyone involved is still trying to deal with the damage, reports Patricia Wen, the Globe Magazine’s staff writer.  

Larry Bird was left out of pickup games in French Lick. He nearly slipped away entirely.

Were it not for a string of unlikely events and minor miracles, the world might have never known the Celtics basketball legend, writes Keith O’Brien in an exclusive excerpt from his upcoming book, Heartland. 

PERSPECTIVE

I’ve always been a Boston sports fan. But the PWHL hockey team is something different.

Walking into the Boston Fleet women’s hockey game was like that scene in Barbie where the Barbies hold every position of power, writes Emily Schario. The ripples of the Caitlin Clark effect have fueled major expansions in professional women’s sports nationwide, and Boston is riding the wave.

CONNECTIONS

My furry frenemy

Over time, writer John Ficarra thought his friendly greetings, on-time feeding schedule, and plush accommodations might soften Dexter, the feral cat he’d been feeding. But no, Dexter remains his cranky, untrusting self. It doesn’t matter to Ficarra, who’s developed a philosophy about people and cats. 

Throughout the month of March, Boston Globe Media is honoring nonprofit organizations that help support and lift up girls and women. Check out their ads in Globe Magazine throughout the month including Rosie’s Place, Dream Big!, The Second Step, Women’s Foundation of Massachusetts, Girls on the Run,  Dignity Matters, Women’s Lunch Place, Dress Success and Women’s Fund of Rhode Island. Learn more at globe.com/WHMnonprofits .
 

THE BIG DAY

How Dan and Vicki overcame a big red flag

Before their first date, Dan sent Vicki a message on Bumble that was a potential dating dealbreaker, writes Rachel Kim Raczka. Their journey led to a New Year’s Eve wedding at the Lenox Hotel.

Apply to have your wedding featured in The Big Day. Read other couples’  love stories here.

LOVE LETTERS

Ex factor  
My boyfriend says his wife is delaying their divorce. Meredith wonders how the ongoing situation affects this couple’s ability to make future plans.  

Submit your relationship questions. And check out the Love Letters podcast here.

DINNER WITH CUPID

“We both have certain personality quirks.” Will these thirtysomething travelers’ shared wanderlust lead to the same place?

Go on an in-person or virtual blind date. We'll pick up the tab. Fill out an application.

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