Russ began his work at WIBW-TV as an intern in 1988 while attending the University of Kansas. He then began working full-time, anchoring the morning cut-ins and noon newscast, in addition to reporting. Russ says he learned more about good television reporting from News Director Jim Hollis, and producers Bob Thibault and Jim Doblin, than any other experience in his career. His most memorable story involved a man who showed up at a Topeka hospital with no name and no memory. A WIBW investigation uncovered his real name and helped reunite the man with his family. Currently, Russ is a reporter for NBC 41 in Kansas City.