The record

What we observed. When it changed.

Every record identifies its source, capture scope and observed history.

Publisher dates

Publication and update dates supplied by the source. Missing dates remain unknown.

First observed

Our first successful observation. This does not establish the original publication time.

Captured at

When we retrieved a specific stored copy.

Last successfully checked

The latest successful check of the stated source and content scope. Failed checks do not advance it.

Observed version

A distinct version we encountered. Changes can occur between checks.

Integrity checked

When stored bytes were last compared with their recorded fingerprint. This does not verify the truth of the content.

Different kinds of snapshots

Publisher feeds retain headline metadata and source links. Enabled official sources retain native response bytes and a separate text extraction. A metadata snapshot is not an archived article. A PDF or screenshot, when present, is labeled as a derivative rather than the original.

Keeping the history useful

Unchanged checks reference an existing version. Changed captures create new observations; earlier observations remain available. Cosmetic changes, extraction changes and substantive source edits are separate concerns. Collection errors are recorded as errors, not proof of deletion.

Retention

Retention and display depend on each source’s policy. Removal decisions apply to stored originals, derivatives, indexes, exports and backup expiry. We do not promise permanent copies of every page or media asset.

Images

One editor-approved photograph can accompany the lead. Each has a source, creator, reuse basis and contextual caption. File photographs are identified; publisher image URLs are not permission to copy.