The network has deployed a slew of reporters to cover the hot news topic that is also dominating the discussion today across much of Talk radio. ABC News Radio VP/GM Steve Jones reports that correspondent Matt Gutman has been stationed at Atlanta’s Centers For Disease Control, Ann Compton remains at her usual post at the White House, Steve Portnoy has been deployed to the DC headquarters of the World Health Organization, Terry McCarthy is in all-but-shutdown Mexico City, Tom Rivers is in London reporting on foreign reaction and developments, Jim Ryan is prowling the concourses at Dallas area airports as passengers face increased screening for possible flu symptoms, and Aaron Katersky is in New York where at least 8 cases of the disease have been confirmed at an NYC prep school. Katersky will also anchor tonight’s one-hour ABC News Radio special, Swine Flu: A Public Health Emergency, airing at 7:05pm (ET).

On his Talk Radio Network show last Friday (4/24) Michael Savage raised the ire of immigrant rights advocates when he said, “I’m going to talk about the horrible, horrible story about illegal aliens bringing a deadly new flu strain into the United States of America. Make no mistake about it. Illegal aliens are carriers of the new strain of human/swine/avian flu from Mexico. If you thought ‘turista’ was bad, wait until you get human/swine/avian flu from Mexico.” Saying the new virus was “potentially fatal” Savage said he believes there should be a total shut down of the U.S.-Mexican border in the wake of the outbreak. “There should be no trade and no travel between Mexico and the U.S.,” said the talk host. “If we lived in saner times the borders would be closed immediately.” You can check out Savage’s full rant on the topic via YouTube HERE.

Former WOAI/San Antonio PD Nate Lundy launches Road Kill Creative, a custom imaging service for News/Talk/Sports radio stations. Lundy and partner Chris Pendl have already inked deals with the Atlanta Braves Network and KTLK-FM/Minneapolis. More details and contact info at www.roadkillcreative.com … Congrats to WTKK/Boston PD Grace Blazer who has been named the recipient of the 2009 Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to Talk radio by a woman … The NFL Dallas Cowboys segue to CBS Radio Sports/Talker KRLD-FM and News/Talk KRLD-AM/Dallas beginning next season. The team’s games previously aired on crosstown Cumulus Sports/Talk KTCK and Classic Rocker KDBN.

It’s not just commercial radio being hit by the troubled economy. National Public Radio announced on Friday (4/24) that it would terminate 13 additional employees and furlough all employees for at least five days over the next five months to save money at the DC-based broadcast operation. NPR employees will also lose three paid holidays this year — Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day — and will lose three more paid holidays in the new fiscal year which begins on October 1. The Washington Post reports NPR will eliminate contributions to employee retirement accounts this year, cut contributions by half next year, and eliminate merit raises through next year. The layoffs and cutbacks are designed to close an estimated $8 million budget gap facing the pubcaster this year and a projected shortfall of $15 million over the next two years.

James and Morris Carey (the two “colorful” guys in the center), hosts of On The House With The Carey Brothers, broadcast live from Oakland, CA during last weekend’s annual “Rebuilding Together Day.” The event brought together thousands of volunteers to rehabilitate and improve nearly 4000 homes nationwide. The non-profit group provides free home improvements to help the elderly, disabled, military veterans, and families with kids, who are living near or below the poverty line. A live webcast recap of the April 24th event will take place tomorrow (4/28). Find out how your station can help homeowners in need in your city at www.rebuildingtogether.org.