If you’ve stepped outside in Phoenix, Tucson, or even up in Flagstaff today, you probably noticed the colors aren't flying quite as high as usual. It’s a somber sight that always makes people pull over or pull out their phones to check the news. Honestly, seeing the flag tucked halfway down the pole is one of those universal signals that Arizona is mourning someone who left a real mark on the state.
So, why are flags at half mast today in AZ?
Governor Katie Hobbs issued a formal proclamation ordering all flags at state buildings to be lowered to half-staff starting Wednesday, January 14, 2026. This order remains in effect today, Saturday, January 17, as the state continues to honor the life and legacy of former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich. Brnovich, a fixture in Arizona politics and law for decades, recently passed away at the age of 59.
The Legacy of Mark Brnovich in Arizona
It’s hard to overstate how much space Brnovich occupied in the Arizona legal landscape. He wasn't just a guy in a suit; he was the state's top lawyer for two full terms, serving from 2015 to 2023. Before that, he was the director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. He also spent time as a federal prosecutor and a Maricopa County prosecutor. Basically, if there was a major legal battle involving the Grand Canyon State over the last decade, Brnovich was likely right in the thick of it.
His passing has hit the community hard. He was known for being a fierce litigator but also for having a personality that could fill a room. He is survived by his wife, Susan Brnovich—who is a federal judge—and their two daughters. When a figure like this passes, the flag lowering is more than just a protocol; it's a collective "thank you" for years of public service.
What the Proclamation Actually Says
The order from Governor Hobbs doesn't just apply to the state capitol. It's a broad request. While the Governor only has the legal authority to command flags at state-owned buildings, the proclamation "encourages" individuals, private businesses, and other organizations to join in the tribute.
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That's why you’re seeing it at car dealerships, local banks, and neighborhood parks. It’s a rare moment of bipartisan respect. Even though Hobbs and Brnovich represented different sides of the political aisle, the gesture of lowering the flag is a tradition that transcends the daily bickering of the legislature. It’s about the office and the person who held it.
The Rules of the Flag: Half-Mast vs. Half-Staff
Kinda a nerd point here, but people always ask: is it half-mast or half-staff?
Technically, "half-mast" is a naval term. It’s what you say when flags are lowered on a ship or at a naval base. On land, the correct term is "half-staff." But let’s be real—everyone says "half-mast." Google knows it, I know it, and you know it. Whether you're standing on a deck or a sidewalk, the meaning remains the same: the space at the top of the pole is left open for the "invisible flag of death."
It’s a powerful image.
Who Else Has Been Honored Recently?
Arizona has had a few of these proclamations lately. In late 2025, flags were lowered for former Vice President Dick Cheney until his interment. We also saw them lowered for local heroes like Firefighter EMT Glenn Collins, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident on his way to work.
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The state takes these honors seriously. It isn't just for "big" national names. It’s for the people who kept the state running, whether they were in a high-rise office in Phoenix or on the front lines of a fire in the high country.
When Will the Flags Go Back Up?
The current order for Mark Brnovich was set to last "until further notice," which usually means until the day of interment or a specific memorial service. As of today, January 17, 2026, those flags stay down.
If you’re a business owner or a homeowner with a flagpole, you might be wondering when to hoist them back to the top. Usually, the Governor’s office sends out an update once the services are concluded. Most people follow the lead of the State Capitol. If you see the flag at the Capitol flying high tomorrow, it's safe to move yours back up.
How to Properly Lower Your Flag
If you want to participate in the tribute, there’s a specific "right" way to do it. You don't just pull the flag halfway up and stop.
- First, hoist the flag briskly to the very peak of the pole for an instant.
- Then, lower it ceremoniously to the half-staff position.
- When it’s time to take it down for the night (unless you have a light on it), you should again hoist it to the peak before lowering it all the way.
It feels a bit formal, but it’s part of the respect shown to the person being honored.
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Why This Still Matters in 2026
In an era where everything moves at the speed of a social media refresh, the tradition of lowering the flag forces us to slow down. It’s a physical pause button. When you see those flags today, it’s a reminder of a life dedicated to the law and to the state of Arizona. Whether you agreed with every policy Mark Brnovich ever supported or not, you’ve got to respect the decades of work he put in.
Arizona is a state with deep roots and even deeper respect for its public servants. Today's half-staff flags are a quiet, somber testament to that.
Practical Steps for Arizonans Today
If you want to stay updated on flag status or honor the memory of Mark Brnovich, here is what you can do:
- Check the Official Source: Keep an eye on the Arizona Governor's official website for the "all-clear" signal on when to return flags to full staff.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Many flag enthusiasts and businesses use services like "Half Staff Alerts" to get an email the second a proclamation is signed.
- Respect the Moment: If you pass a state building today, take a second to acknowledge the service of those who have passed. It’s a small bit of community connection in a busy world.
The flags remain at half-staff for the remainder of the day. Check back tomorrow for updates on whether the proclamation has been extended or if the state will return to full-staff status following the weekend.