Kristi Nelson's fascination with journalism started when she was just 9 years old, and Santa left a typewriter for her beneath the Christmas tree.
She soon started banging out articles based on topics she saw on TV and would cut and paste the stories on paper, which she would then sell to family members for 25 cents each. It was the beginning of a long love affair with news and storytelling.
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Fast forward more than 30 years, and Kristi is now a multiple award-winning journalist, and the anchor of NBC 5 First at Four and NBC 5 Responds reporter.
In the nearly two decades she’s spent at NBC 5, she’s also hosted Lone Star Politics, NBC 5 Spotlight and been at the forefront of some of the region’s most memorable breaking news stories.
Kristi's extensive experience goes beyond her time reporting and anchoring in the nation's 4th largest television news market. She started her journalism career as a newspaper reporter, spending several summers as an intern at The Dallas Morning News before going on to work at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and later, The Cincinnati Enquirer.
Kristi got a taste of the sports world when she joined the National Basketball Association's Communications Department, working as a writer within the Publishing Ventures division. She authored feature articles for commemorative magazines and NBA-branded publications, including Inside Stuff and Hoop magazines, and was part of the media relations team mobilized for major events, including the NBA Finals, NBA All-Star Weekend, and NBA Draft.
Her work at the NBA led to another accomplishment – that of being a published author. Kristi finished "The Chamique Holdsclaw Story" while working on a Master's degree at Columbia University. It was published in 2000 by Scholastic Press.
In recent years, Kristi has distinguished herself through coverage of issues relating to justice, race, communities and health.
In August 2011, Kristi donated a kidney to her mother and documented the process in a multiple-part series called "Kristi's Gift," which aired on NBC 5 the week of the surgery. The series earned Kristi an Emmy.
Kristi has three Lone Star Emmys and earned a Gracie Award from the prestigious national organization, The Alliance for Women in Media. She has also received multiple awards from the National Association of Black Journalists. She has been honored by several local organizations for both her work as a journalist and her contributions to the North Texas community.
The Latest
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How to save money at the State Fair of Texas
NBC 5 is tracking the best deals and discounts for the 2026 State Fair of Texas. NBC 5’s Kristi Nelson is tracking the best ways to save money.
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Missing military ring returned after 20 years
The mystery began with a ring found in an old Army footlocker. Three years after Mary Thelen asked NBC 5 Responds for help, she finally placed it back in the hands of the owner. NBC 5’s Kristi Nelson has the story.
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Military ring missing for 20 years returned to soldier after Fort Worth woman's years-long search
The mystery began with a ring found in an old Army footlocker. Three years after Mary Thelen asked NBC 5 Responds for help, she finally placed it back in the hands of Terry Sheppard Jr.
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Foodie 411: S&D Oyster turns 50, North Texas barbecue award, and wine
In this week’s Foodie 411, Dallas Morning News food writer Sara Blaskovich, talks about a major milestone for S&D Oyster, a North Texas barbecue joint with new bragging rights, and wine with an attitude.
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Foodie 411: North Texas restaurant openings, closings and reopenings, plus State Fair of Texas food
In this week’s Foodie 411, Dallas Morning News food writer Sara Blaskovich, talks about restaurant closings, openings and reopenings. Plus a State Fair of Texas food quiz that highlights your favorites.
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Foodie 411: North Texas barbecue icon marks 50 years as local restaurants grab NFL spotlight
A North Texas barbecue institution celebrates five decades after surviving fires, closures and major changes. The Dallas Morning News food writer Sarah Blaskovich also shares which local restaurants are getting NFL attention and where a legendary Dallas steakhouse is expanding next.
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Foodie 411: Bourdain remembered, restaurant closings and the best margarita?
In today’s Foodie 411, we talk about the movie about chef Anthony Bourdain’s life, recent restaurant closings, and an opinion on where to find the best margarita in Texas. Sarah Blaskovich, food writer for The Dallas Morning News, has the info.
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Weather experts help couples protect their wedding day
Couples spend months — sometimes years — planning the perfect wedding, but one thing they can’t control is the weather. NBC 5 Responds’ Kristi Nelson shows us how some couples are using meteorology to help protect their big day.
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Planning the weather for your wedding day
Concierge weather services can track storms, wind, heat and humidity. But experts say climate data and a solid backup plan can also help couples prepare.
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Vacant lots plague southern Dallas as builders balk at infrastructure costs
Most Dallas vacant lots sit in southern Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, where infrastructure costs and red tape hinder redevelopment.
