Flags are out today in the United States, flown at half-staff nationally to honor the victims of a recent mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis. This lowering of flags was ordered by the President as a mark of respect and mourning for the victims of this tragic event, which included children and others injured, and it lasts from Wednesday through to Sunday sunset. Additionally, some states are also lowering flags for other significant commemorations, such as the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and a tribute to a notable judge in Kansas.

In the UK, there has been a recent increase in the display of flags like the Union Flag and St George's flag on lampposts and public areas, driven by local groups expressing patriotism. This has caused some controversy related to differing interpretations of the flags' symbolism, with local councils sometimes removing flags due to policies on public infrastructure maintenance and concerns about community tensions.

Overall, flags are out today as symbols of respect, mourning, and patriotism tied to recent events and cultural movements in these countries.