Hotelier Leona Helmsley Dies

WNYC News | Jul 12, 2010

Hotelier Leona Helmsley died today at her home in Greenwich, Connecticut. She was 87. Her publicist says she died of heart failure.

REPORTER: Helmsley helped her husband, Harry, run a $5 billion real estate empire that once included managing the Empire State Building. But she also became known as the "queen of mean" during her 1989 tax evasion trial -- a case that earned widespread media attention.

REPORTER: Real estate tycoon Donald Trump called Helmsely "definitely one of a kind."

Be alert for scams. WNYC never asks for nor accepts money for coverage or interviews. Anyone making such a request does not represent WNYC.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

Watch: Test your news knowledge with Brian Lehrer

Brian Lehrer leads special guests in a multi-round quiz of news oddities.
WNYC |

Canada’s Plans for Donald Trump. Plus, the Battle Over California’s Wealth Tax

The Canadian politician Chrystia Freeland on the breakup of a once happy alliance. Plus, the staff writer Nicholas Lemann on a bellwether progressive issue.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

ICE Agent Shoots Man in Marble Hill

The Brian Lehrer Show |

Mahershala Ali as a Hitman and Caring Father; Lizzy McAlpine Performs Live from 'Angel'

All Of It with Alison Stewart |
YOU ARE ONLINE