Short answer: Flags are likely at half-staff today due to a formal proclamation or official order honoring a notable figure or event. Context and how this typically works:
- In the United States, flag half-staff determinations can be made by:
- The President for national observances or in response to national tragedies, or
- Governors for state-specific observances within their state.
- Recent events commonly prompting half-staff notices include the passing of former national leaders or vice presidents, significant national tragedies, or commemorations like Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or other solemn occasions.
- In practice, government portals or state offices publish official half-staff notices with the precise dates and the rationale.
What you can check quickly:
- Your state’s official governor’s or state agency website often posts half-staff advisories with dates and the reason.
- The White House or national proclamation pages will specify if the order is at the federal level.
- Local news outlets typically summarize these notices and provide practical guidance (which buildings to notify, how long the period lasts, etc.).
If you want, I can search for the exact current half-staff order for your location and the precise reason and dates.
