Jobless and caught in a squeeze

When the virus erupted in March and paralysed the economy, nearly 90% of layoffs were considered temporary, and a quick rebound seemed possible. No longer. Photos: AP

This spring, Magdalena Valiente was expecting her best year as a Florida-based concert promoter. Now, she wonders if the career she built over three decades is over.

Back in March, Valiente had been busy planning three tours and 42 live events, including concerts for the Panamanian reggaeton star Sech and the Miami Latin pop band Bacilos. Earning well into six figures during good years, Valiente was hoping to help her youngest son, a high school junior, pay his way through college.