Wow! I'm surprised no one else has caught this. And, this is definitely appropriate for the Charts Discussion thread.  Also, PLEASE don't give me a WP if I'm duplicating another post.  I did not see one come up close when I wrote the title.

 

Billboard Chart & Magazine Dates Now to Align Closer to Release Week

 

Beginning with the first charts and magazine issue of 2018, Billboard announces a shift in the way that both will be dated.

As of the first magazine published in 2018, issues and all charts within will be dated to the Saturday of the week that that the magazine is shipped. Currently, Billboard issues are dated to the Saturday in the week following shipment.

For Billboard.com, the adjustment will result in charts being dated to the Saturday following their posting, or four days after the Tuesday refresh of all rankings on the website. Currently, charts are dated 11 days after first posting online (or, to the second Saturday after charts post).

 

To continue reading, please click here or: https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8071011/billboard-chart-magazine-dates-release-week-change

FINALLY. i hate the way they date charts. this is a much better way