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 5th 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 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 also has multiple awards from the National Association of Black Journalists and 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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NBC 5 helps couple resolve issue over vacation club balance due
When an NBC 5 viewer couldn’t get a resolution to a dispute over the balance due on her vacation club she called NBC 5 Responds, Kristi Nelson explains what happened next.
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How to protect your vacation and money when planning a trip
This story will help you protect your vacation and hard-earned money. An NBC 5 viewer had to cancel a trip when she got COVID. No big deal, she thought because she received a flight credit but then she tried to use it — and hit a wall. She called NBC 5 Responds. Kristi Nelson has the story.
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Advice to protect your family in a weather emergency
Whether it’s a hurricane, flood, tornado, or other natural disaster, the time to prepare for the next big storm is now. Consumer Reports experts share advice on gearing up and preparing to protect your family in a weather emergency.
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Is your family eating rocket fuel?
Perchlorate, a chemical found in rocket fuel, has contaminated water and food and is more likely to be found in food given to babies and children, a study from Consumer Reports found.
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North Texas couple had difficulty returning home after Israel attack
A North Texas couple was in Israel during the Oct. 7 attack. After their safe return, NBC 5 Responds reporter Kristi Nelson detailed how NBC 5 stepped in to help them.
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NBC 5 Responds helps North Texas travelers with refund
John Curtner’s two-month trip to the Middle East last fall with his wife started as an exciting journey through Israel, Jordan and Egypt. They rented cars from Hertz to help get around.
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Olympian Allyson Felix still on the move after retirement
Allyson Felix won a record 11 Olympic medals and 20 World Championship medals before retiring from the sport in 2022.
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Foodie 411: What to know about Michelin reviews in Texas
Here’s what to know about Michelin reviews coming to Texas in 2024.
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Dust can pose serious health issues
It can be a constant battle to keep dust at bay. But often dust isn’t just annoying and dirty. A new Consumer Reports investigation reveals it may also contain dangerous particles that can cause serious health problems.
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How to keep your home safe and secure this summer
Summertime can include dangerous heat and severe storms, but there are ways to protect yourself and your home. Consumer Reports explains that a good defense starts with DIY projects around the house.
