From the article:

[hay rick]

The upside-down flag was aloft on Jan. 17, 2021, the images showed. President Donald J. Trump’s supporters, including some brandishing the same symbol, had rioted at the Capitol a little over a week before. Mr. Biden’s inauguration was three days away. Alarmed neighbors snapped photographs, some of which were recently obtained by The New York Times. Word of the flag filtered back to the court, people who worked there said in interviews.

"Recently" is intentionally vague. If recently was 3 years ago, the reporting delay appears complicit. If recently is 3 days or even 3 weeks, it probably represents professional follow up and verification of sources. Surely the Times staff and editorial board know their reputation for impartial reporting has fallen under a cloud. They should not currently operate on the assumption that their motives and practices will always be trusted and would do well to be more transparent.