Meet Des Moines Register retail business reporter Israel Schuman

Israel Schuman, the new retail business reporter for the Des Moines Register, discusses his background and approach to journalism. A triplet from Indiana, Schuman lives in Des Moines' Columbus Park neighborhood with his cat, Frankie. He was drawn to journalism by a love for understanding people and its potential to improve communities, stating, "Being a journalist is a bit like being paid to be a good citizen." Schuman recently covered Iowans' relationship with Kum & Go convenience stores and, in a previous role, investigated opioid recovery funding in Indiana. He plans to explore retail trends, including thrifting and the rise of flavored nicotine pouches. Outside of work, he enjoys competitive games, exploring Des Moines, cooking, and exercising. Having been in Iowa for only four weeks, he has enjoyed local spots like Mullet's and Horizon Line Coffee. A fun fact about Schuman is that he played Peter Pan in a sixth-grade musical.