Alexander Tin
Alexander Tin is a digital reporter for CBS News based in the Washington, D.C. bureau. He covers the Biden administration's public health agencies, including the federal response to infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19. Previously, he was a campaign reporter for CBS News based out of Las Vegas, where he was raised. He covered presidential, Senate and House candidates for the 2020 election cycle in Arizona, California, Nevada and New Mexico. He has also worked in Washington for 'Face the Nation' and in New York for the 'CBS Evening News.' Tin graduated from Columbia University in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in political science. New study shows pasteurization process kills bird flu in milk, FDA says The FDA said its study better simulated how commercial milk processing kills the bird flu virus, H5N1. Trump and Biden's first presidential debate of 2024, fact checked Here are CBS News' fact check of statements made by Biden and Trump during the first 2024 presidential debate. No evidence new COVID variant causes more severe disease, CDC says The LB.1 variant makes up close to 1 in 5 new COVID cases, the CDC estimates. COVID summer wave grows, with new variant LB.1 on the rise A key COVID trend in the West is near 'high' levels, the CDC says, and the new variant LB.1 is gaining ground. Gun injuries across most states at higher rates than before pandemic: CDC The CDC looked at emergency medical services data from 27 states. Infectious bird flu survived milk pasteurization in lab test. Here's what to know. An experiment found 'small but detectable' amounts of infectious H5N1 virus in milk after it was pasteurized for 15 seconds. Drug-resistant 'dual mutant' flu strains now being tracked in U.S., CDC says The two genetic changes to H1N1 could cut the effectiveness of the main flu antiviral doctors turn to. FDA urges crackdown on bird flu in raw milk, but some states say hands tied While raw milk can't be sold over state lines, some states permit sales within their borders. FDA approves first RSV vaccine for adults in their 50s The RSV vaccine by GSK was previously approved only for adults 60 and older. New COVID variant KP.3 climbs to 25%, now largest in CDC estimates The strain is 'very, very similar' to the JN.1 variant from earlier this year. FDA rolls back Juul marketing ban, reopening possibility of authorization The FDA said 'additional review' and court cases led it to roll back the ban. FDA panel votes against MDMA for PTSD, setting up hurdle to approval FDA advisers cited a variety of concerns with the trials submitted by Lykos Therapeutics as part of the application. Fauci testifies about COVID response at heated House hearing The hearing on COVID-19 marked Dr. Anthony Fauci's first public appearance on Capitol Hill since leaving government in 2022. U.S. to make millions of bird flu vaccine doses this summer The U.S. has ordered 4.8 million doses of vaccine to target bird flu in case the outbreak spreads in people. The FDA is weighing approval of MDMA for PTSD. Here's what patients could see. Details of the FDA's proposal were published Friday ahead of a meeting next week. Show More Watch CBS News 24/7
71%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
85%
Examples:
- Alexander Tin covers the Biden administration's public health agencies, including the federal response to infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19. There is a focus on reporting factual information and debunking misinformation.
- The biography also mentions Tin's educational background from Columbia University.
- Tin has previously worked in Washington for 'Face the Nation' and in New York for the 'CBS Evening News.'
Conflicts of Interest
50%
Examples:
- However, Tin presents both sides of the issue and often cites multiple sources, making it clear that any potential conflicts are being addressed with transparency.
- Tin's reporting focuses on public health agencies and their responses to various outbreaks. There is a potential for conflicts of interest with pharmaceutical companies and their products mentioned in some articles.
Contradictions
85%
Examples:
- In some articles, Tin reports on contradictions found in studies or government data, such as the effectiveness of pasteurization against bird flu or drug-resistant strains of flu.
- There are also instances where Tin reports on conflicting information from different sources, such as the FDA's recommendations versus states' abilities to enforce surveillance programs for bird flu in raw milk.
- There is a focus on providing accurate and up-to-date information despite conflicting sources.
- Tin highlights discrepancies in data, such as the rise of COVID cases due to a new variant or the increase in prescriptions for ADHD medications.
Deceptions
75%
Examples:
- For example, Tin points out that the article about Ozempic side effects mentions a high number of reports linked to hair loss and aspiration, which is concerning but not definitively linked to the drug.
- In some articles, Tin reports on deceptive practices or misinformation related to public health issues.
- Tin also highlights instances where data may be manipulated or misrepresented, such as the tainting of lead in recalled applesauce pouches due to a single cinnamon processor.
- While there are instances of deceptive practices mentioned in Tin's reporting, he often provides context and multiple perspectives to avoid deception.
Recent Articles
H5N1 Bird Flu Survives in Raw Milk: How Pasteurization Prevents Potential Spread to Humans
Broke On: Saturday, 29 June 2024A recent study reveals that H5N1 bird flu can survive in raw milk for over an hour, raising concerns about its potential spread through contaminated dairy products. However, pasteurization effectively kills the virus in milk. The USDA warns against consuming unpasteurized dairy products due to the risk of infection and advises farmers to take preventative measures. 
New COVID-19 Subvariants KP.3, KP.2, and LB.1: Evading the Immune System and Surge in Cases During Summer Months
Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024New COVID-19 subvariants KP.3, KP.2, and LB.1 are on the rise during summer months, causing an increase in cases due to their ability to evade the immune system effectively. Vulnerable populations are at higher risk for severe disease but vaccination remains the best defense against infection and severe illness as new vaccine formulations targeting these subvariants become available this fall. 
Summer Covid-19 Surge: 39 States Seeing Increase in Cases, California Particularly Affected with Emergence of New Variants
Broke On: Tuesday, 25 June 2024A summer surge of Covid-19 infections is affecting 39 states in the US, with California experiencing a significant increase in cases. Wastewater and test data indicate rising Covid levels, and hospitalizations and emergency room visits have risen by 25% since late May. Two new variants, KP.3 and LB.1, are growing in proportion nationwide and could potentially displace the current dominant strain, KP.2. The CDC urges caution as the western US sees accelerating trends and nursing home cases rise. 
New Research Questions Safety of Raw Milk: Two Articles Warn of Potential Health Risks
Broke On: Thursday, 13 June 2024Two new articles have raised concerns about the health risks of consuming raw milk, despite its perceived natural appeal. HuffPost reported on a merchandise error from Turning Point USA, but the discussion on raw milk's safety is gaining attention. 
New Strain of H1N1 Flu with Potential Oseltamivir Resistance Detected in Two U.S. Cases
Broke On: Saturday, 13 May 2023Two instances of a new dual mutant H1N1 influenza strain, potentially resistant to oseltamivir, have been detected in the US and identified in global virus database GISAID. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises healthcare providers to administer antivirals early and emphasizes ongoing vigilance against emerging flu virus mutations. 
Bird Flu Virus in US Dairy Cattle: FDA Urges States to Stop Sale of Raw Milk Amid Contamination Concerns
Broke On: Thursday, 06 June 2024The highly contagious bird flu virus spreading among US dairy cattle raises concerns over raw milk safety. The FDA urges states to halt raw milk sales in areas with infected herds and increase surveillance testing. Despite warnings, some small dairies continue sales, citing demand and state laws. Experts stress the potential risks of foodborne illnesses in raw milk, including salmonella and E. coli. 
New COVID-19 Subvariants KP.2 and KP.3: Concerns of Potential Rise in Cases as Summer Approaches
Broke On: Monday, 03 June 2024As COVID-19 cases potentially rise with new subvariants KP.2 and KP.3 of the Omicron variant, health experts urge increased vigilance, especially as wastewater surveillance programs show increasing SARS-CoV-2 levels. The upcoming fall vaccine is expected to provide protection against these novel variants and their subvariants. 
Urgent: University of Pennsylvania and Moderna Lead in Developing New Bird Flu Vaccines Amidst Growing Outbreaks
Broke On: Saturday, 01 June 2024Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and CSL Seqirus are developing new bird flu vaccines due to growing concerns about the virus spreading and mutating among birds and cows. With one reported human transmission case, efforts are underway to prevent a possible pandemic. The US government is preparing 4.8 million doses of flu vaccine in response, with Moderna nearing a deal for funding of its late-stage trial. 
Two Dogs in US Test Positive for Deadly Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Linked to Contaminated Eye Drops
Broke On: Saturday, 27 April 2024Two dogs in the US have tested positive for a deadly superbug, carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, linked to contaminated eye drops. The bacteria strain is highly related to one that caused an outbreak last year resulting in four human deaths and 14 cases of blindness. The contaminated drops were traced back to a factory in India with dirty equipment and poor hygiene practices. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining clean environments to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, not just among humans but also pets. 
Measles Cases on the Rise in Florida and Across the US: What You Need to Know
Broke On: Sunday, 03 March 2024Measles, a highly infectious disease that can cause serious health problems, has been reported in at least 41 cases across 16 states this year. Florida and Manatee Bay Elementary School have seen an increase in measles cases with nine confirmed cases linked to the local outbreak. Orlando Health treated four patients with measles between February 20th and March 1st, while AdventHealth Central Florida has not reported any cases of measles this year.