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 connecting with people and observing its capacity to improve communities. Schuman views his role as akin to being a good citizen, appreciating the variety each day brings. Recently, he covered Iowans' unique relationship with Kum & Go convenience stores and, in a previous role, investigated the distribution of opioid recovery funds in an Indiana county, which he noted was "hampered, some decision-makers told me, by disorganization and conflicts of interest." Upcoming stories include retail trends like thrifting side-hustles and the rise of flavored nicotine pouches. In his free time, Schuman enjoys competitive games, exploring Des Moines, cooking, and exercising. He is a fan of local spots like Mullet's and Horizon Line Coffee, and a fun fact reveals he played Peter Pan in sixth grade.