Pronunciation: [hˈɛlən tˈɒməs] (IPA) 
The spelling of "Helen Thomas" is fairly straightforward. The first name is spelled with an "h" followed by two syllables: "he-lin" (hɛlən). The last name is spelled with two syllables as well: "thom-as" (tɒməs). The "th" sound can be a bit tricky for non-native English speakers, as it is a combination of the "t" and "h" sounds. Overall, the IPA phonetic transcription for "Helen Thomas" is: ˈhɛlən ˈtɒməs.
Helen Thomas was an American journalist who became a prominent figure in the field of White House journalism. Born on August 4, 1920, in Winchester, Kentucky, Thomas began her career as a reporter in the late 1940s. She quickly climbed the ranks of journalism and eventually became the first female member and president of the White House Correspondents' Association.
Known for her assertiveness and tough questioning, Thomas earned a reputation for her shrewdness, persistence, and tenacity when dealing with powerful figures. She covered every U.S. president from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama and kept a seat in the White House press briefing room for nearly six decades.
Thomas's career spanned more than five decades, during which she reported on numerous historical events and significant developments in American politics. Her work as a journalist earned her countless accolades, including the prestigious National Press Club's Fourth Estate Award and the Gerald R. Ford Journalism Prize for Distinguished Reporting on the Presidency.
However, her career came to an abrupt end in 2010 when controversial remarks she made about Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict led to her resignation and retirement. Despite the controversy surrounding her departure, Thomas's contributions to journalism remain significant, as she paved the way for future female journalists and left an indelible mark on the field of White House reporting. Helen Thomas passed away on July 20, 2013, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer and respected journalist.
