Why have all the flags been at half mast for the past week?

Answer 1

I don't watch TV so I have no idea who this Ginsberg character is.

Answer 2

They have been at half staff.   A mast is a part of a sailing ship and has a cross arm.   What you see around town do not usually have a cross arm so they are called a flag staff.  If you would pay the least bit of attention to the news you would know.   Ginsberg died.