In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Haliday Douglas, CEO of the St. Louis Education Fund, which harnesses private dollars to help St. Louis Public Schools students. Douglas discusses how teachers at SLPS helped change his life—and propel him to Harvard—and the work his nonprofit is doing to give kids a chance at upward economic mobility. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the new legislation in Jefferson City that would create “innovation zones” to help downtown St. Louis and other central business districts. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Discover the excitement of the Opera Theatre’s 2026 Festival Season, running from May 23 to June 28. Tickets start at just $25 for the timeless classic The Pirates of Penzance and the acclaimed Tony Award-winning musical The Light in the Piazza. Enjoy unforgettable performances of A Streetcar Named Desire and the romantic tragedy Romeo and Juliet, showcasing artistic excellence you're sure to love. Get your tickets now.

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You may also enjoy these SLM stories:

• Missouri rep proposes ‘innovation zones’ as a cure for downtown’s woes
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• The turnaround strategy inside St. Louis Public Schools that may be working—and may get discontinued
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• More episodes of The 314 Podcast

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