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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Is anti-American sentiment on the rise? What travelers need to know
As global perceptions of the U.S. evolve, American travelers may face new challenges — but also opportunities for meaningful conversations abroad.
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How to deal with anti-American sentiment when traveling abroad
If your travel plans take you overseas, you might be met with anti-American sentiment. NBC 5’s Kristi Nelson talked to experts about how to stay safe and make sure you return with happy memories.
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Want to avoid tourist hotspots and save some money? Here are the latest travel trends
If you’re planning your 2025 getaways, there are some things you’ll want to consider. NBC 5’s Kristi Nelson spoke to travel experts who shared the top travel trends and advice on how to save money and avoid the crowds.
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Where to travel in 2025? Tourist hotspots are hoping you won't visit
As travelers begin mapping out their 2025 adventures, a growing number of popular destinations are hoping to avoid an influx of tourists.
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How AI is changing the way people plan travel
AI is helping some people plan the travel of their dreams. We spoke with a North Texas woman about her AI-inspired adventure to Chile
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Using AI to help you plan your next vacation
A North Texas woman used ChatGPT to plan her entire bucket list trip to Chile. Here’s what you need to know before you use artificial intelligence to help with your vacation.
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Travel may require more planning, what you need to know before you book
If you plan to travel soon, make sure you know the required documents you’ll need for the U.S., U.K. and Europe. NBC 5’s Kristi Nelson explains.
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New travel requirements for the US, UK, and Europe mean you need to plan ahead
If you’re planning to travel soon, make sure you’re aware of new travel documents you may need for the U.S., U.K. and Europe to avoid last-minute surprises.
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Last minute spring break travel? How to save money and avoid crowds
There are still some options left for procrastinators, but be warned: travel experts say this spring break will be busier and more expensive than ever.
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Here are some spring break travel ideas that don't break the bank
Spring break starts soon for most colleges and schools across North Texas and this year will busier and more expensive than ever, but if you waited to book travel? NBC 5 Responds reporter Kristi Nelson says you don’t have to deal with crowds or inflated prices to have a good time.
