Latest news with #Ruan
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ruan Transport laying off 144 workers in Arizona after losing contract
Ruan Transport Corp. is laying off 144 workers in Tolleson, Arizona, including 130 truck drivers, along with mechanics and administrative staff. The layoffs will be finalized by the end of August. Des Moines, Iowa-based Ruan Transport has 2,980 trucks and 3,612 drivers, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The company provides dedicated fleet management, logistics management and warehousing solutions for customers across the country. Ruan Transport had a contract with Kroger to provide transportation services from the Tolleson distribution center, which is located in the Phoenix area. However, Kroger cancelled that contract, according to the Teamsters union. The Teamsters represents Ruan Transport workers at the Tolleson distribution center. 'For over 26 years, Teamsters Local 104 members at Ruan have safely and reliably delivered products for Kroger. Now, the company is attempting to replace them with Swift, a move that threatens the hard-won standards Teamsters have built over decades,' Lena Melentijevic, a spokeswoman for the Teamsters, told FreightWaves in an email. Officials for The Kroger Co. and Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. did not return requests for comment. Sean M. O'Brien, general president of the Teamsters, and Fred E. Zuckerman, the union's general-secretary treasurer, sent a letter to Kroger leadership on June 6 seeking clarification on Ruan's dismissal. 'Our impression is that Kroger intends to replace Ruan with a 3PL that does not provide reasonable equal wages and conditions of employment similar to those provided for in the Teamsters Local Union 104 collective bargaining agreement currently in effect with Ruan,' O'Brien and Zuckerman wrote in a letter to Kroger shared on Facebook. 'If this unfortunate development should occur, Kroger should expect community standards picketing to occur which truthfully advises the public that Ruan's successor does not conform to the area standards established by Teamsters Local Union 104.' Related: Mass layoffs continue across freight-related companies in the U.S. The post Ruan Transport laying off 144 workers in Arizona after losing contract appeared first on FreightWaves. Solve the daily Crossword
![‘Op my Eish!': Ruan Smith's ‘twin wingman' calls rugby star a ‘big teddy bear' [VIDEO]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.citizen.co.za%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F07%2FRuan-en-JP-Smith-.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![‘Op my Eish!': Ruan Smith's ‘twin wingman' calls rugby star a ‘big teddy bear' [VIDEO]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.citizen.co.za%2Fassets%2Fimg%2Fcitizen-icon.png&w=48&q=75){kind=icon}
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘Op my Eish!': Ruan Smith's ‘twin wingman' calls rugby star a ‘big teddy bear' [VIDEO]
Former rugby player Ruan Smith is up for grabs in the upcoming season of kykNET's popular dating series 'Op my Eish'. Double trouble? Former rugby players and twin brothers JP and Ruan Smith are set to feature in the latest edition of 'Op my Eish!'. Picture: Supplied Fans of kykNET's reality dating series Op my Eish! are in for a double treat when former rugby player Ruan Smith will be joined in his search for love by his identical twin brother, JP, as his wingman. The latest exciting development follows hot on the heels of kykNET's call for entries with the surprise announcement that the rugged rugby player will be the star of the upcoming season. Previous seasons of Op my Eish! featured actors Neels van Jaarsveld and Francois Jacobs, and singer-songwriter Brendan Peyper. 'Op my Eish!': The perfect wingman for Ruan Smith 'It's an absolute honour…it's awesome,' enthused JP, who is also a retired rugby player. 'We're incredibly close and know each other well. It's a new challenge for me. So, it's going to be interesting. 'Ruan and I have been through a lot together – through the tough times and the good. So, I know what's best for him. I'm going to be honest as always. I have his best interests at heart,' JP added. Ruan and JP Smith: Deadly duo on the rugby field The two brothers not only share a close bond, but also an impressive history on the rugby field. Ruan Smith, in his playing days for the Brumbies scores a try during the World Club 10s match between The Brumbies and Petraca Rugby. Picture:Ruan's rugby career took him to several countries. In 2006, Ruan moved to Australia with his family. He and his twin brother, JP, returned to South Africa in 2008 to complete their matric year at Paarl Gimnasium. After finishing school, he joined Western Province and later played for teams such as the Brumbies (2012–2016), Toyota Verblitz in Japan (2015–2017), the Queensland Reds (2018–2020) and the Melbourne Rebels (2021–2022). In 2022, he returned to South Africa and played for the Lions in Johannesburg until 2024. He now lives in Alberton, where he and JP run their rugby clinic, Eight7. Through this project, they identify and develop young rugby talent, with a special focus on local and underserved communities. Attention ladies! Ruan Smith's relationship checklist Ruan, who was previously married and is a father of two, is ready to give love another chance with Op my Eish!. JP shared that his twin brother is looking for stability, sincerity and someone who is comfortable with simplicity. 'Ruan is looking for someone who is easy-going. Not someone who always has to be on the go or busy. During our rugby days, we were incredibly busy and had very little time for ourselves. 'So, someone who values time at home is important to him.' 'A relationship is about building together' The 'wingman' dropped some more hints for ladies who are keen to participate in the Op my Eish! love match with Ruan. 'He's not looking for a high-maintenance personality…just someone who's comfortable with the normal, quiet moments.' JP also believes that Ruan needs a partner who is both independent and family-oriented. 'He doesn't want someone who expects him to do everything. A relationship is about building together, not just giving in one direction. 'Yes, it's important for a man to play his part, but it has to be mutual.' 'Op my Eish!': Ruan Smith the 'big teddy bear'? When asked how he will know when Ruan is truly in love, JP answered without hesitation: 'If he makes sacrifices in his daily life for someone, then you know it's serious. He doesn't give up that part of himself easily. So, if he starts to adapt for someone, it means a lot. 'Ruan is actually a very gentle guy,' he continued. 'He puts his guard up, especially in new relationships. But when you get to know him, he's an incredibly loyal, caring person. 'I hope people see that side of him in the series – not just the strong rugby player, but the big teddy bear he really is.' Double trouble for viewers? Of course, one can't help but wonder whether viewers will struggle to tell the identical twins apart… 'We're very similar, but our personalities are slightly different. You'll start to notice that. And if there's any confusion – I'm the smarter one,' JP added with a laugh. Finding true love in today's world He believes Op my Eish! is a unique opportunity for his brother. 'In today's world, everyone's so busy that it's getting harder and harder to find love in a natural way. This series gives him the chance to open himself up, to try again. And if I can be a small part of that journey, then I'm there.' Entries for the new season of 'Op my Eish!' are currently open at Entries close on 2 August 2025. NOW READ: 'Boer Soek 'n Vrou': New crop of farmers and Reandi Grey behind the wheel – What to know
The Age
04-07-2025
- The Age
Woman charged over alleged $3 million spiritual blessing scam
More than $3 million in cash and valuables has allegedly been stolen from elderly Chinese women in a widespread spiritual blessing scam, as police charge a woman in the ongoing investigation. Yuee Ruan was arrested at Sydney International Airport on Thursday evening and later charged with several offences relating to a scam that allegedly targeted an elderly woman in Parramatta last month. The 63-year-old was charged with dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception, contributing to the criminal activity of a group and demanding property in company with menace and intent to steal. She was refused bail and will appear before Parramatta Local Court on Friday. Police will allege there have been at least 80 instances of the scam across Sydney since 2023. The plot generally targets elderly Chinese women and exploits their cultural fears to encourage them to hand over money and valuables, including jewellery. Scammers approach vulnerable women in public and convince them they need to have their money or belongings blessed to protect their families from spirits that could lay curses or cause illness. The possessions are collected in bags and taken away, where police will allege they were swapped out for items of no value, before the scammers returned the bags to the women and encouraged them not to look inside for extended periods. The reported scams have taken place across the city, including incidents in the Ryde, Burwood, Parramatta and Hornsby areas. Investigations are continuing, as police allege Ruan was a member of a group carrying out the scams. Police have been investigating the 'Chinese blessing scams' since July 2023, issuing a warning last October that urged people not to provide any information or give any items if approached by someone trying to 'frighten them for a spiritual reason'.
Sydney Morning Herald
04-07-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Woman charged over alleged $3 million spiritual blessing scam
More than $3 million in cash and valuables has allegedly been stolen from elderly Chinese women in a widespread spiritual blessing scam, as police charge a woman in the ongoing investigation. Yuee Ruan was arrested at Sydney International Airport on Thursday evening and later charged with several offences relating to a scam that allegedly targeted an elderly woman in Parramatta last month. The 63-year-old was charged with dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception, contributing to the criminal activity of a group and demanding property in company with menace and intent to steal. She was refused bail and will appear before Parramatta Local Court on Friday. Police will allege there have been at least 80 instances of the scam across Sydney since 2023. The plot generally targets elderly Chinese women and exploits their cultural fears to encourage them to hand over money and valuables, including jewellery. Scammers approach vulnerable women in public and convince them they need to have their money or belongings blessed to protect their families from spirits that could lay curses or cause illness. The possessions are collected in bags and taken away, where police will allege they were swapped out for items of no value, before the scammers returned the bags to the women and encouraged them not to look inside for extended periods. The reported scams have taken place across the city, including incidents in the Ryde, Burwood, Parramatta and Hornsby areas. Investigations are continuing, as police allege Ruan was a member of a group carrying out the scams. Police have been investigating the 'Chinese blessing scams' since July 2023, issuing a warning last October that urged people not to provide any information or give any items if approached by someone trying to 'frighten them for a spiritual reason'.
Axios
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Historic Ruan space revived for Sips in the City
Sips in the City, one of Winefest Des Moines' most anticipated events, is returning downtown this year with a fresh twist — it's happening inside the newly renovated Ruan Pavilion at the Ruan Center. Why it matters: This is the first time the Ruan Pavilion — a former bank lobby turned office space — is being used for Sips, marking a new chapter for the used downtown venue. Ruan Center officials aim to transform the 11,000-square-foot space into a regular events destination. Catch up quick: The Ruan Center, added to the National Register of Historic Places this year, encompasses the 600 block of Grand and Locust avenues. The 36-story office building includes the Pavilion and the adjacent 14-story Two Ruan, which is under residential redevelopment. Flashback: The pavilion space was once a bustling public area with bank tellers. Over the decades, it was sectioned off for private offices until 2021, when those offices were relocated and the open space was mainly used for Ruan Center employee activities, building manager Jona Schmidt tells Axios. State of play: Ruan officials recognized the potential for an events space following a Des Moines Metro Opera gala there last year. Sips will help them assess possible future enhancements, Schmidt said. Zoom in: Sips was at Smash Park in West Des Moines in recent years and is moving downtown partly in response to guest feedback, Winefest board member Chris Diebel tells Axios. If you go: 6-9pm June 13.
