The Big Story
Too Terrible to Be Believed
Washington Times-Herald
by
In this episode of The Big Story, reporter Arthur Mielke investigates deficient conditions in Baltimore foster homes after a child arrives at a hospital dead. His reporting uncovers further signs of mistreatment, including assault, and focuses on operator Arlene Tennant, who was charged in connection with the death of a seven-month-old infant in her care and found guilty of manslaughter.
The account follows Mielke’s investigation and the wider attention it brought to reports of neglect, poorly trained staff, and inadequate standards of care. The story also describes the consequences of his reporting: new regulations and licensing requirements intended to protect children in foster care. It presents investigative journalism as a search for evidence with real stakes for vulnerable people.
The Big Story dramatizes newspaper reporting, bringing a journalist’s work from discovery and investigation to public impact. This episode offers a serious, grounded account of a local investigation and the changes it helped prompt.
This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.