A man has been freed after he spent 14 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit‚ and prosecutors now believe they know who is the real killer. Steven Ruffin‚ 45‚ has been telling authorities who really killed 16-year-old James Deligny on a Brooklyn street in February 1996 for decades‚ but until now‚ he has been ignored. “I lost 14 years of my life for a crime that I didn’t commit‚” Ruffin said after he was exonerated on Thursday‚ according to the New York Daily News. “I’ve been very fortunate since my release. I had to make peace with my situation in order to survive. I’m looking forward to closing this chapter of my life.” “If you know you’re innocent‚ don’t give up on your case — keep on fighting‚ because justice will prevail‚” Ruffin said outside the courthouse‚ according to the Associated Press. “That’s all I’ve wanted for 30 years: somebody to listen and really hear what I’m saying and look into the things I was telling them.” Ruffin was paroled in 2010‚ but his 1996 manslaughter conviction still stood on his record. He has since moved to Georgia and started working in sanitation‚ but said he wanted the conviction dismissed so he could clear his name and “move on.” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said his office is looking into whether they can charge the man who actually shot Deligny during a confrontation about stolen earrings. “You have to be able to convict someone beyond a reasonable doubt‚ and we have to make sure that that evidence is sufficient to do so‚” Gonzalez said‚ according to the AP. “You have a lot of factors working against us procedurally‚ but also factually — unfortunately‚ this is 30 years ago.” Ruffin was a teenager when his attorneys – and now prosecutors – say retired NYPD Det. Louis Scarcella pressured the teen into confessing to a crime he didn’t commit. Ruffin was tied to the case because Deligny was mistaken for a man who had stolen earrings from Ruffin’s sister Diane‚ the Daily News reported. Ruffin provided two statements denying that he shot Deligny before Scarcella brought in Ruffin’s estranged cop father‚ who convinced the teen to confess. In a 56-page report from Brooklyn’s Conviction Review Unit‚ Ruffin’s confession wrongly identified the type of gun used in the shooting and included other factual errors. His conviction was based on one shaky eyewitness and Ruffin’s confession‚ which he recanted. Ruffin was identified by a cracked front tooth‚ but the man Ruffin says actually committed the crime‚ his sister’s then-boyfriend‚ also had a cracked front tooth. The alleged assailant is identified only as “Glover‚” and had a child with Diane. Glover allegedly confessed to multiple people that he committed the crime‚ and Diane reportedly “didn’t want to implicate [her] baby’s father.” “After a full investigation by my Conviction Review Unit‚ we can no longer stand by this old conviction and will move to give Mr. Ruffin his good name back‚” Gonzalez said in a statement. “A confluence of factors‚ including errors by defense counsel and tunnel vision by law enforcement‚ produced a tragic result in this case – Mr. Ruffin was convicted for the actions of a different person whom he claimed to be the killer all along.” Ruffin’s case is the 18th guilty verdict with connections to Scarcella that has been overturned. Scarcella has denied any wrongdoing.

A group of congressional lawmakers is demanding that the Department of Defense’s appropriations bill prohibit taxpayer dollars from being spent on travel for service members to obtain abortions. In a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday‚ the 10 members of Congress said they have “serious concerns” regarding the language of the defense appropriations bill. “Specifically‚ we urge you to include language that unequivocally prohibits the use of taxpayer funds for service members to travel to obtain an abortion‚” the group wrote. The letter was spearheaded by Representative Eric Burlison (R-MO) and signed by nine other Republican House members including Representatives Andy Biggs (R-AZ)‚ Paul Gosar (R-AZ)‚ Debbie Lesko (R-AZ)‚ Ben Cline (R-VA) Mary Miller (R-IL)‚ Bob Good (R-VA)‚ Matthew Rosendale (R-MT)‚ Doug LaMalfa (R-CA)‚ and Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL). The group blasted the Biden administration for effectively turning the Defense Department into an “abortion travel agency.” “Redirecting the focus of our armed forces away from readiness and combating threats and instead toward the Biden Administration’s radical abortion agenda is an intentional and abhorrent misuse of government funding to facilitate the killing of unborn children‚” the members of Congress wrote. The issue of taxpayers covering abortion travel for the military has come up before. In 2022‚ Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin directed the Pentagon to pay for female service members to travel for abortions. The Pentagon argued at the time that the end of Roe vs. Wade means women in the military have to travel greater distances and spend more money to get abortions‚ which impact military readiness. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP The group of lawmakers who wrote to Johnson on Friday countered that while they recognize the importance of providing “comprehensive healthcare” for American military personnel‚ abortion is not part of that. “Abortion is not healthcare‚ and therefore should not be treated as such‚” the lawmakers wrote. “The appropriations process should focus on the primary mission of the Department of Defense – national defense.” “By introducing clear language that prohibits the allocation of funds for travel related to abortion services‚ we can ensure that taxpayer dollars are not used to facilitate or help provide for abortions‚” the group said. Congress is currently working on a dozen appropriations bills to fund the government‚ work it was supposed to finish at the start of the fiscal year back in October. On Thursday‚ Congress passed a continuing resolution‚ a short-term government funding bill that will fund the government through early March while lawmakers hash out the details of the full spending bills.

While the country is preparing for its next presidential election‚ Divide‚ Colorado‚ is looking to fill a unique political position — animal mayor. The seat is currently filled by Clyde the Donkey‚ but his term limit is almost up—and we don’t mean donkey as in Democrat. Twelve years ago‚ Divide carved out a mayoral seat for animals. Yes‚ animals. And Clyde is currently ruling with an iron hoove. But it’s time for another furry politician to take the reins. YouTube The campaign is hosted by the Teller County Regional Animal Shelter. The organization came up with the clever idea to raise funds for its homeless pets. It costs $2 to cast a vote online‚ and the proceeds go towards running its rural shelters. “It brings awareness to our small rural shelter‚ and it also allows us to raise money for all of the animals that come through our shelter‚” Kathleen Ruyak‚ the shelter’s marketing coordinator‚ told CNN. “There’s about a thousand animals we help a year‚ even though we have about 1500 square feet of shelter.”  Clyde the Donkey Has More Political Aspirations While Clyde is only a few months away from reaching his term limit‚ he’s not leaving his political aspirations behind. YouTube “He’s been requested to run for president. So as he steps down from there‚ he is going to be concentrating on spreading the word‚” Running D Ranch’s Debbie Bibb laughed. “And who knows? You know‚ we maybe have a donkey for president.”  There is still time to add your pet to the docket. As it stands‚ there are only three animals up for election‚ and they’re all dogs. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Who Will Replace Clyde The Donkey As This Colorado Town’s Next Four-Legged Mayor? appeared first on InspireMore.

Organizations like Make-a-Wish have such a huge impact on children from all around the world. Celebrities like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson are always happy to do whatever they can to make those sweet kids’ dreams come true. The legendary star proved this in December 2023 by breaking a Make-A-Wish record — according to The Rock himself‚ he “had the honor and privilege of granting the most wishes in one day (Hollywood).” It was also said to be one of the biggest Make-A-Wish days ever! This is exciting‚ of course‚ but what’s even better is taking a closer look at the individual lives who were impacted that day. Kid Walks Away During The Rock’s Make-a-Wish Visit @therock Wanted to a share a special moment with you guys‚ from my big @Make-A-Wish day – where I had the honor and privilege of granting the most wishes in one day (hollywood) and one of the biggest Make A Wish Days ever. I loved spending time and getting to know each and every special kid in this room — and needless to say by the time I got to my buddy Trenton here…. he literally had to walk away and duck behind a corner to let his emotions out as his sister is crying happy tears Happy tears are good – I’ll take ‘em all. I have so much to share with you guys of all the joy‚ love and positivity (and happy tears) from this day. More to come. For me‚ stuff like this will always be the best part of fame #makeawishday #bestdayever #dwanta ♬ original sound – The Rock The Rock had already visited a few kids by the time he made his way to Trenton and his sister. But nothing could have prepared him for either of their heartwarming reactions. “I loved spending time and getting to know each and every special kid in this room — and needless to say by the time I got to my buddy Trenton here…. he literally had to walk away and duck behind a corner to let his emotions out‚” The Rock says. TikTok Once Trenton momentarily stepped away‚ his sister started to cry — but they were tears of joy. Needless to say‚ this moment was incredibly emotional for everyone there. “Happy tears are good — I’ll take ’em all‚” The Rock shares. “I have so much to share with you guys of all the joy‚ love and positivity (and happy tears) from this day. More to come. For me‚ stuff like this will always be the best part of fame.” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Breaks New Personal Record During An Emotional “Make-A-Wish Day.” appeared first on InspireMore.

Will Ferrell is known for taking every opportunity to make a joke at award shows. From his hilarity with Kristen Wiig at the Golden Globes to this silly moment at the Critic’s Choice Awards‚ Will Ferrell always keeps us laughing. He was walking along the red carpet‚ minding his business. Then‚ an interviewer asked him the ever-so-famous question: who are you wearing? @whowhatwear leave it to #willferrell to get us cracking up on the red carpet. #criticschoice #criticschoiceawards ♬ original sound – whowhatwear Generally‚ celebrities are decked out in the fanciest clothes from current and trendy fashion designers. Will Ferrell’s answer was simple‚ though. “Sears‚” he said‚ with a completely straight face. I love the idea that Will Ferrell‚ one of the best-known comic actors in the world‚ is wearing a $100 suit from Sears. What do you think — was he being serious? This image is from TikTok. “With one word‚ Will Ferrell single-handedly keeping the remaining 13 Sears stores in business for another year‚” joked one fan in the comments of the clip. “I really don’t think he’s joking‚” commented another fan. I tend to agree! He’s a pretty low-key fella! Will Ferrell’s hilarity on the Critic’s Choice red carpet is a reminder to always be yourself‚ no matter the situation. Thanks for the tip‚ Will! The featured image for this post is from TikTok. The post “Who Are You Wearing?” Even On The Red Carpet Will Ferrell Keeps Us Cracking Up. appeared first on InspireMore.

I’m pretty sure these girls were living every BFF’s dream. They helped their bestie’s boyfriend pull off an awesome surprise engagement — and it couldn’t be cuter. The girls went out for a hike with their gal pal early in the morning. Then‚ they turned a corner and someone special was waiting there for her! @magsvarvel The happiest day ever! I Katherine &; Johnny! #engagement #squawpeak ♬ original sound – Maggie First‚ Katherine was absolutely stunned. She couldn’t believe that her boyfriend‚ Johnny‚ was out in the field looking dashing as ever! The besties had to give her a push to head in his direction‚ and the rest is history. These BFFs got to witness the surprise in action. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching your loved one have a proposal go off without a hitch! This image is from TikTok. The boyfriend and the besties even hid a photographer to capture the moment. This was a seriously special day‚ made more special by how many folks got to be involved. “Love the location‚ the proposal‚ the excitement… love everything on this video‚” said one fan about the surprise engagement. “Ok but like she won the jackpot with girlfriends like this… that’s the lifetime love everyone hopes for‚” commented another viewer. While it wasn’t their proposal‚ they were totally geeked for their best friend. Obviously‚ Katharine is in good hands! The featured image for this post is from TikTok. The post Perfect Wingwomen: BFFs Help Boyfriend Stage Breathtaking Surprise Engagement. appeared first on InspireMore.

Prepare for a performance of epic proportions: Chapel Hart is back on AGT! This trio is unbelievably powerful‚ taking the stage and bringing the entire audience to their feet. This time‚ Chapel Hart’s America’s Got Talent performance wasn’t a cover — the trio performed an original song called “American Pride.” As we know‚ Simon Cowell can be a bit of a tough cookie. But when Chapel Hart walked on the stage‚ he immediately expressed gratitude that they were appearing on this season of AGT. These ladies have come a long way since their first performance on the show. Chapel Hart’s first AGT audition back in 2022 was a legendary cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” They surprised the audiences with their incredible country voices and now‚ the trio is well-known‚ touring and performing their beautiful music. This image is from Facebook. At the end of their performance on America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League this week‚ folks jumped to their feet in adoration. And rightfully so! Not to mention… look at the epic fashion these ladies were serving! “Outstanding performance‚ and great original song‚” commented one fan on the Facebook clip. “Absolutely loved this song‚ it moved me and touched my heart‚” said another fan. Good luck‚ Chapel Hart! The featured image for this post is from Facebook. The post Chapel Hart Returns To AGT Stage With Original Song — And A Standing Ovation! appeared first on InspireMore.

A mall Santa demonstrated the true spirit of Christmas when he took the time to make a blind‚ autistic boy’s visit unforgettable. Misty Wolf from Northern Texas shared a series of beautiful photos from when her young son met Santa Claus at Cabela’s. She says that the actor went out of his way to accommodate the boy’s disabilities and give him a magical experience. News anchor Lauren Przybyl recounted the sweet story on Facebook. “I whispered to Santa ‘he is blind and autistic and is very interested in Santa‚'” Misty said. “He said ‘say no more’ and immediately got down on the floor to greet my little man.” Facebook Since the little boy couldn’t see the beautiful costumes and decorations at the mall’s Christmas display‚ Santa showed him around through touch. He let the blind‚ autistic child pet a fake reindeer‚ touch his red costume‚ and even pull on his beard! “My heart was full seeing Matthew so interested‚” said the boy’s mom. Facebook What is it about mall Santas that always lead to the most wholesome interactions? Kudos to this actor who gave this little boy the best Christmas ever! You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Mom Tells Mall Santa Her Son Is Blind And Autistic. Santa Responds‚ “Say No More.” appeared first on InspireMore.

'A lot of questions'

'Failure is not an option'