Gov. Kelly Armstrong has directed all U.S. and North Dakota flags to be flown at half-staff from dawn to dusk Friday, May 1, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor and remembrance of state Rep. Liz Conmy of Fargo.

Conmy died Saturday, April 25, at age 67, along with her partner, Joe Cass, in a plane crash in Minnesota. Conmy had represented District 11 in the North Dakota House of Representatives since 2022.

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial honors the brave men and women of the fire service who gave their lives in the line of duty. Each year, the memorial observance serves as a national reminder of their sacrifice and of the debt owed to the families, departments, and communities they left behind. In 2026, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is scheduled for May 2–3.

In connection with the annual memorial service, the President is expected to order U.S. flags flown at half-staff in accordance with longstanding federal practice tied to Public Law 107-51, as has been done in prior years. Once the official presidential proclamation is issued, it will be posted here.

Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag will be at Half-Staff

This is to advise that Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset, Friday, May 1, 2026, for Fallen Heroes Day. This day honors Maryland police, firefighters, and emergency medical/rescue personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty during the last year.

Source: http://sos.maryland.gov/Pages/Services/PastFlagStatus.aspx

On Sunday, May 3, 2026, flags will be lowered in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.

When posted the Presidential Proclamation can be found here, see the Governor’s Status of the Flag here.

I hereby authorize flags be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, within the State Capitol Complex in Montgomery and across the state of Alabama, to honor fallen officer Dallas Hinton of the Thomasville Police Department who gave his life in the line of duty, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Officer Hinton was 25 years old.

A native of Tuscaloosa and a resident of Thomasville, Dallas Hinton proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps in Japan and Afghanistan. A two-year veteran of the Thomasville Police Department, Officer Hinton brought to his role as a protector of the public the same courage and commitment he forged in service of our country. Sadly, he lost his life while on duty on April 22, 2026. I join with all Alabamians in sending our heartfelt prayers to Officer Hinton’s family, friends and colleagues at the Thomasville Police Department. While Officer Hinton may have been taken very early, his passion and devotion to serve will never be forgotten.

Accordingly, within the State Capitol Complex in Montgomery and across the state of Alabama, flags may be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the date of Thomasville Police Officer Dallas Hinton’s memorial services.

April 25, 2026

Family of Gov. Dirk Kempthorne comments on his passing

Gov. Little orders lowering of flags to honor life and
legacy of Gov. Dirk Kempthorne

Boise, Idaho – The family of Governor Dirk Kempthorne released the following statement following his passing in Boise Friday evening.

“The family of Governor Dirk Kempthorne shares with deep sadness that he has passed away, surrounded by those he loved most.

“Beyond his public service, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest joy came from time spent with family and the people he met along the way. He had a rare gift for truly seeing others — remembering names, stories, and the small details that made each person feel known and valued.

“Our family is heartbroken, but we are also deeply grateful — for the time we had with him and for the extraordinary outpouring of love and support we have received from across Idaho and the country.

“We kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and celebrate his life together. Please know how much your prayers, messages, and memories mean to us.

“Additional details will be shared in the coming days.”

Governor Brad Little ordered the lowering of State of Idaho and U.S. flags to half-staff to honor Governor Kempthorne. Flags will remain lowered until the day following Governor Kempthorne’s memorial service, which is to be determined.

Governor Little’s statement on Governor Kempthorne’s passing follows:

“Teresa and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Governor Dirk Kempthorne. Our friendship goes back to our college days, where Dirk and I shared the same state government class – an experience that helped set the course for a lifetime of public service for him.

“We had the privilege of watching Dirk and Patricia begin their journey together. From the very beginning, it was clear Dirk and Patricia would lead lives as dedicated and passionate leaders.

“Dirk’s career was marked by extraordinary service at every level. His early work as an industry advocate and campaign manager for Phil Batt led to his leadership as a successful Boise mayor who helped change the trajectory of our capital city. During his distinguished tenure in the U.S. Senate, Dirk served Idaho with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right.

“As Governor, Dirk left an enduring mark on our state. With Patricia’s steadfast partnership, he championed children and families, strengthened public education, and led transformational investments in our transportation system that will benefit Idahoans for generations. He elevated Idaho’s voice on the national stage as chairman of the National Governors Association.

“We were all proud when President Bush selected Dirk to serve as Secretary of the Interior. In that role, he never lost sight of Idaho or the West. He understood the value of our lands and worked tirelessly to steward them with care and respect.

“Even after his time in public office, Dirk never slowed down. He remained a relentless advocate for our military and veterans, most recently championing the USS Idaho Virginia-class submarine. It is especially heartbreaking that he was not able to attend its commissioning this weekend — a moment he worked so hard to make possible.

“I will always remember Dirk’s generosity and warmth. He was thoughtful, gracious, and deeply committed to the people around him.

“To Patricia, Jeff, Heather, and their families, Teresa and I extend our heartfelt condolences. We join all Idahoans in honoring and celebrating a life of remarkable service to our state and our nation. Dirk’s legacy will endure for generations, and he will be deeply missed.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2026

HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green today announced the lowering of flags to honor the life and legacy of former Governor George R. Ariyoshi, Hawaiʻi’s third and longest-serving governor in state history. He led the state from 1974 to 1986. Ariyoshi died peacefully Sunday night, surrounded by his family — he was 100.

Born March 12, 1926, in Honolulu to Japanese immigrant parents, Ariyoshi was a historic figure in Hawaiʻi and national politics, becoming the first Asian-American elected governor of any U.S. state. His leadership helped guide Hawaiʻi through its early post-statehood decades, marked by economic transition, growth and the strengthening of state institutions.

Ariyoshi served in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Service during World War II as a Japanese-English interpreter. He went on to earn degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan Law School, then dedicated his life to public service.

Ariyoshi served in the Territorial Legislature, the Hawaiʻi State Senate and as lieutenant governor before assuming the governorship and winning election in his own right. Known for his steady, disciplined leadership and deep respect for public service, he was reelected twice and remained active in civic and professional life long after leaving office.

“Governor Ariyoshi devoted his life to Hawaiʻi with humility, discipline and an unwavering sense of responsibility to the people he served,” Governor Green said. “He led our state during a pivotal moment with quiet strength and integrity, and his legacy as a trailblazer and public servant will endure for generations. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones.”

Flag Order
In honor of former Gov. George R. Ariyoshi and in recognition of his extraordinary service to the state of Hawaiʻi, Governor Green has ordered that the flags of the United States of America and the state of Hawaiʻi be flown at half-staff at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, all state offices and agencies and all Hawaiʻi National Guard facilities.

Flags shall be lowered effective immediately and remain at half-staff through sunset on the day of his memorial service, which will be announced.

This order reflects the gratitude of the people of Hawaiʻi for Governor Ariyoshi’s historic leadership, lifelong commitment to public service and lasting contributions to the state.

Images, courtesy the Office of the Governor, may be found here.