J. Trevor Williams

Over the past two decades, investing, banking and mortgaging guided by Islamic principles have grown 10-fold worldwide. As a sector, Islamic finance experienced lower percentages of losses in the 2008 global financial crisis than most conventional institutions. Proponents point to lower risk profiles and focus on tangible assets, for starters.

International travel in 2020 went from a luxury enjoyed by some to an impossibility endured by all. British travel writer and journalist Matthew Teller witnessed his livelihood become grounded more abruptly than most.

As the US trucker shortage deepens, there’s never been a better time to work behind the wheel. Joining those on the road are a growing number of women from Central Asia, where nomadism and can-do have long roots in the cultures of the Silk Roads.