Short answer: Flags are at half-mast today to honor a notable recent death or a designated dignitary, as ordered by the President or by state governors per federal and state protocols. Context and how it works:

• National and state authorities issue half-mast orders in response to deaths of prominent figures (e.g., former elected officials, military leaders, or other individuals of national significance). These orders specify the duration and scope (federal facilities, state buildings, etc.).

• When such an order is in effect, all applicable government buildings and, in many cases, public spaces fly the flag at half-mast to mark mourning and respect.

• The most timely updates typically come from official proclamations or reputable aggregators that track half-mast notices across the country. In recent weeks, such notices have referenced the death of a high-profile former official and an accompanying presidential or gubernatorial proclamation.

If you’d like, I can look up the current, official reason for today’s half- mast status and specify the duration and which buildings are affected.