International Institute of St. Louis

The St. Louis metropolitan area is showing troubling signs when it comes to population trends.

After months of crowdsourcing recipes, the Global Foods Market Cookbook is published.

The symbolic measure was blocked on a 3-3 vote, with resolution co-sponsor Matt Swanson absent. Immigration advocates broke out in applause after the vote.

Supporters of the resolution didn't put the measure to a vote because two members were absent.

“You cannot move forward if everybody else does not have the opportunity to move forward. That was a major philosophical shift to address racial and spatial inequities that have held this region back for far too long,” said one leader.

Mexican American artist Leticia Seitz of Arte Rojo organized a Day of the Dead celebration at the International Institute, which is launching new efforts to connect with Latino communities in St. Louis and beyond.

Funded primarily by donations, one program would provide housing for up to three months, job placement by local unions and assistance from immigration lawyers.

The International Institute of St. Louis is launching a program to attract people from Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti and Nicaragua arriving in the U.S. The Latino Outreach Program will provide housing and employment connections services to newly arrived immigrants.

According to the U.S. Census, there are over 17,000 Indians in St. Louis and St. Louis County. Many of them arrived to pursue a higher education or take a new job. People from India say St. Louis reminds them of home and makes them want to stay.

This weekend's Festival of Nations at Tower Grove Park will highlight Indian culture in St. Louis.