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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Newlyweds stars discuss on and off screen relationship
Téa Leoni and Tim Daly talk to NBC 5’s Kristi Nelson about new show Newlyweds that airs on NBC.
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Could your car catch fire while parked? Millions face ‘park outside' recalls
Your car could catch fire even when it’s parked in your driveway. Would you know if yours was at risk? Automakers have issued “park outside” recalls over dangers including engine fires, overheating electrical connections, melting power seat motors and batteries that could ignite. NBC 5 Responds’ Kristi Nelson takes a closer look at the warnings and why drivers should pay...
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Millions of vehicles under ‘Park Outside' recalls due to fire risk; is yours one?
More than 3 million vehicles nationwide have unrepaired recalls involving a potential fire risk, including more than 300,000 in Texas.
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Foodie 411: Michelin Guide 2026 & celebrity chef claims new home in Dallas
NBC 5’s Kristi Nelson and The Dallas Morning News’ Sarah Blaskovich discuss the food news you need to know about in this week’s Foodie 411.
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Think your family makes too much money for free college? Think again
NBC 5 Responds explains how schools are offering tuition-free pathways for qualifying students, with some programs available to families earning up to $250,000 a year.
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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.
