WordPress Release Notes – February 2022

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates – Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. Yoast SEO & Premium – Enhanced schema presentation for non-alphanumeric languages. Introduced a keyphrase position tracking tool. Improved Japanese text analysis, readability, keyword detection, and more. Changed the font size on alerts from 14px to ... Read More»

By | 15 February, 2022 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes – December 2021

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates– Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. Yoast SEO & Premium- Replaced the configuration wizard with a configuration workout. Added a link to the archive page for the content types in the Search Appearance settings. Added more French transition words. Enabled the Schema Article ... Read More»

By | 15 December, 2021 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes – November 2021

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates- Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. Yoast SEO & Premium- Added version management to our indexable framework. Changed the default color for overall scores to red. Improved the accuracy of the keyphrase in slug assessment by correctly detecting multi-word Keyphrases. b. Custom ... Read More»

By | 10 November, 2021 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes – October 2021

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates– Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. WordPress 5.8.1 – A short-cycle and maintenance release that contained 3 security fixes. b. Yoast SEO Premium- Completed the readability analysis for Farsi, Improved keyword detection for Farsi, and cleans up indexables for posts with auto-draft ... Read More»

By | 13 October, 2021 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

Sample Photo Gallery

A PHOTO GALLERY allows a user to display multiple images contained within a slideshow. Within a POST, users can perform the following steps to create a photo gallery: Create a new post. Select the Add Media button which is located above the main content block. Select Create Gallery on the left. You may upload your own photos into the site ... Read More»

By | 7 October, 2021 | Topics: Art & Culture, Events

WordPress Release Notes – September 2021

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates- Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. Gravity Forms- 2.5.9.3 b. Stop User Enumeration- 1.3.33 c. Enhanced Media Library- 2.8.8 d. Yoast SEO Premium- 17.0 e. Slider Revolution – 6.5.7 f. ACF Quick Edit- 3.1.6 g. Yoast SEO Premium- 17.0 h. ... Read More»

By | 15 September, 2021 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes – August 2021

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates– Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. Gravity Forms- Updated form editor and form settings alert to reflect the new alerts styling. Bug fix for required indicator displaying when field is not required. b. Slider Revolution- Table structure changed from unique to ... Read More»

By | 21 August, 2021 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes – July 2021

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates- Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. Gravity Forms- Bug fixes for issues with display of block settings icons in various themes and contexts. Added dynamic sizing to the form switcher to better handle forms with long titles. b. Slider Revolution- Bug fixes ... Read More»

By | 14 July, 2021 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

Social Links is now available!

The State Department LinkTree Alternative. Brought to you by GPA Mission Website Platforms, Digital Strategy & Training, and Digital Lab. GPA Digital Lab (LAB) has designed and launched a new product for social media content strategy in collaboration with the Digital Strategy & Training team and Mission Website Platforms (MWP). Social Links was launched on ... Read More»

By | 12 July, 2021 | Topics: News

WordPress Release Notes – June 2021

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates – Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. Gravity Forms- Bug fixes for various appearance settings including “Date”, “List” and “Time” fields when editing an entry. b. User Switching – Bug fixes for issues that could lead to PHP errors given a malformed cookie. ... Read More»

By | 16 June, 2021 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes– May 2021

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates– Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. Gravity Forms- Updated header to include the “Requires at least” and “Requires PHP” properties. Updated minimum WordPress version for support on the System status page to 5.6. b. WordPress Sitemap Page- Updated compatibility to PHP 8. ... Read More»

By | 12 May, 2021 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes– April 2021

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates- Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. Gravity Forms- Updated header to include the “Requires at least” and “Requires PHP” properties. Updated minimum WordPress version for support on the System status page to 5.6. b. WordPress Sitemap Page- Updated compatibility to PHP 8. ... Read More»

By | 12 April, 2021 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes– March 2021

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates– Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. Gravity Forms- Bug fixes for PHP 8 issues. Bug fix for form block editor generating notices in the JavaScript console. b. WordPress- WordPress 5.6.1 and 5.6.2 general security and maintenance updates. c. Yoast SEO ... Read More»

By | 10 March, 2021 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes– February 2021

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates– Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. Gravity Forms- Bug fix for date/times on the system report. Updated the gform_file_upload_markup JS filter to include response as the sixth parameter. b. Yoast SEO Premium- Bug fixes for estimated reading time not being shown ... Read More»

By | 2 February, 2021 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes–January 2021

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates- Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. Gravity Forms- Added security enhancements, bug fixes and updated minimum WordPress version for support to 5.5. b. Polylang Pro –Fixed PHP notice and the title of the search results page with Yoast SEO 14.0. c. Yoast ... Read More»

By | 6 January, 2021 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

Sample Demonstration Event Post

Over the past decade, the Iranian regime has rapidly expanded its citizens army model — the Basij Resistance Force, a volunteer paramilitary force — inside and outside Iran. “If a dictator could ask a genie for one wish, it would be for one organization to neutralize all threats and not be expensive,” said Saeid Golkar, ... Read More»

By | 1 January, 2021 | Topics: Alerts

WordPress Release Notes–December 2020

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates- Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. Custom Editor Permission Sets – Created a new system for setting editor permissions within MWP sites. Custom permissions must still be requested by contacting gpadigitalhelp@state.gov. b. Gravity Forms- Updated REST API v2 to support authentication while ... Read More»

By | 9 December, 2020 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes –November 2020

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates– Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. Gravity Forms- Added security enhancements and updated background updates to work more seamlessly with WordPress auto updates. b. Contact Form 7 Conditional Fields- Improved IE11 compatibility. c. Polylang Pro –Bug fix for issues with Yoast ... Read More»

By | 22 November, 2020 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes –October 2020

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates– Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. Slider Revolution- Added new Mouse Trap add-on for mouse animations and advanced actions on layers. b. Gravity Forms- Bug fix for fatal error when add-on is not active during background feed processing. Added the gform_pre_delete_feed action ... Read More»

By | 11 October, 2020 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes –September 2020

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates– Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. WordPress 5.5.1 Maintenance Release – General bug fixes, enhancements and specific bug fixes for block editor. b. Slider Revolution- Bug fix for post-based sliders showing featured image instead of correct setting. c. Yoast SEO- Optimized performance ... Read More»

By | 17 September, 2020 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes –July 2020

Functionality Changes   Page Template- Featured Event Page Full- New page template offers refreshed look and feel for Featured Events including: parallax background image, centered textbox display and sidebar items appearing below the page. View our example here! Code Changes (transparent to end-users)   Performance Updates- Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site ... Read More»

By | 29 July, 2020 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

#LetFreedomRing

“America is known as the land of freedom. Independence Day is the day that freedom is celebrated. Some parts of America’s history have been problematic, and the long struggle for equal rights for all citizens has confirmed that freedom is inherent in American values. Because freedom is at the heart of the nation’s aspirations, everyone ... Read More»

By | 4 July, 2020 | Topics: Africa, Events, Featured Event, Fundamental Freedoms, News | Tags: ,

WordPress Release Notes – June 2020

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates– Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. WordPress- Security and maintenance update to version 5.4.2. b. Google Apps Login- Added custom text support for login with Google button. c. Redirection- Added importer for Quick/Page redirects. d. Slider Revolution- Fixed bugs ... Read More»

By | 24 June, 2020 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

New Service Desk Email Effective June 11!

With the merger of the Bureaus of Public Affairs (PA) and International Information Programs (IIP) to the now Bureau of Global Public Affairs (GPA), the MWP Service Desk is updating its email to reflect this change. On Thursday, June 11, 2020, we updated our MWP Service Desk email. This new email will be used to ... Read More»

By | 11 June, 2020 | Topics: News

WordPress Release Notes – May 2020

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates– Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. Google Apps Login- Bug fixes for PHP. b. Redirection- Fixed PHP warning bug and fixed site adding an extra period in a domain name. c. Slider Revolution- Bug fix with scrolling issues on ... Read More»

By | 29 May, 2020 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes – April 30, 2020

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates- Updated the following plugins and settings to improve overall site security and performance: a. WordPress- Security update to WordPress Version 5.4.1. b. Google Apps Login- Bug fix and updated compatibility with current version of WordPress. c. Yoast SEO- Text analysis bug fix and enhanced recognition of focus ... Read More»

By | 1 May, 2020 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

NOTICE for U.S. Citizen Travelers

STEP: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. Enroll for alerts at  step.state.gov . In Case of Emergency: Call 1-888-407-4747 (U.S./Canada); +1-202-501-4444 (overseas); or contact the nearest embassy:  go.usa.gov/xduQM. Recommended Web Browsers: Internet Explorer 11 with compatibility view or Google Chrome. Read More»

By | 22 March, 2020 | Topics: Alerts, News | Tags:

Single Sign On (SSO) with America.gov

Mission Website Platform (WordPress), has the ability to use Single Sign On (SSO) with America.gov email. SSO works with your America.gov account, and enables a user to access their edit site without entering a user name and password. If you are interested in using SSO, you must update the e-mail address in your user profile. Instructions below: Log in to the WordPress U.S. Mission ... Read More»

By | 22 March, 2020 | Topics: News

COVID-19 Information

U.S. Citizen Travelers: Enroll for alerts at  step.state.gov . In Case of Emergency: Call 1-888-407-4747 (U.S./Canada); +1-202-501-4444 (overseas); or contact the nearest embassy:  go.usa.gov/xduQM . Global Health Advisory: The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel abroad due to the global impact of COVID-19. Many areas throughout the world are now experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and ... Read More»

By | 19 March, 2020 | Topics: Alerts, Health Issues, News

Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus

Updated Presidential Proclamation February 29, 2020 On January 31, 2020, I issued Proclamation 9984 (Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus and Other Appropriate Measures To Address This Risk).  I found that the potential for widespread transmission of a novel (new) coronavirus (which has ... Read More»

By | 2 March, 2020 | Topics: News | Tags: ,

Suspension of Entry of Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus

Presidential Proclamation Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus January 31, 2020 Entry of aliens who were present in China, excluding the Special Autonomous Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, within 14 days prior to their arrival at the port of entry in the ... Read More»

By | 31 January, 2020 | Topics: News | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes – November 2019

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) 1. Performance Updates– Updated several plugins and settings to improve overall site performance. Appearance Changes 1. Travel Advisory– Display now includes Travel Advisory color-coded level number. a. 1 (blue)= Exercise Normal Precautions. b. 2 (yellow)= Exercise increased caution. c. 3 (orange)= Reconsider Travel. d. 4 (red)= Do not travel.)   ... Read More»

By | 13 November, 2019 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

Sample Weather Alert – Cuba

Hurricanes, dust storms and blizzards can all knock out electrical lines, but what kind of damage can weather in space do? Plenty. In a normal year, space weather costs the world about $10 billion per year, according to experts at the U.S. National Science Foundation. The most powerful solar storm on record slammed into the ... Read More»

By | 30 July, 2019 | Topics: Alerts, Featured Event | Tags:

Sample Notification Post

“11. If desired, set an Notification Message to Appear in the header of the site. a. From post edit mode, Select YES under NOTIFICATION MESSAGE – TURN ON? b. Enter text in the NOTIFICATION TITLE and NOTIFICATION DESCRIPTION text boxes. NOTE: NOTIFICATION TITLE HAS A 40 CHARACTER LIMIT AND NOTIFICATION DESCRIPTION HAS A 70 CHARACTER ... Read More»

By | 17 July, 2019 | Topics: Alerts, Notification

WordPress Release Notes – February 2019

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) Performance Updates– Updated several plugins and settings to improve overall site performance. Design Changes U.S. Department of State Seal– Updated site images to include most recently approved version of the seal. Looking for the new Seal? See the Embassy Digital Managers Slack channel for a link to the authorized image ... Read More»

By | 21 February, 2019 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes – January 2019

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) Performance Updates – Updated several plugins and settings to improve overall site performance. Design Changes Google Maps/Calendar Events – Google Maps will no longer embed in events, only the address text will appear. New Functionality Social Media Links Sidebar – The Giphy icon has been added to the Social Media links ... Read More»

By | 26 January, 2019 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

Sample Content Commons Video

As the new round of sanctions against the Iranian regime goes into effect, regime officials are lying about the targets and consequences. The sanctions exempt humanitarian goods such as medicine and food, but the regime chooses to allow suffering among its people for political and financial purposes. Read More»

By | 19 November, 2018 | Topics: News

WordPress Release Notes – November 2018

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) Performance Updates– Updated several plugins and settings to improve overall site performance. New Functionality Content Commons – Users may now embed Content Commons articles and videos directly into posts. For more information on the purpose, features and function of Content Commons visit: https://commons.america.gov/about Instructions for New Functionality Embed Content Commons Article Navigate to https://commons.america.gov , ... Read More»

By | 19 November, 2018 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

Sample Alert Post

Terrorist attacks are down by 23 percent globally since last year, according to the State Department’s annual  Country Reports on Terrorism . But there is still more work to be done. That’s why at the Global Counterterrorism Forum, the United States and Morocco  launched the GCTF Terrorist Travel Initiative . The Initiative will work with national and local governments, international organizations and border officers to ... Read More»

By | 30 October, 2018 | Topics: Alerts

WordPress Release Notes – August 2018

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) Performance Updates– Updated several plugins and settings to improve overall site performance. Design Changes (look and feel) Single Mission Country Megamenu– Single location missions may now link directly to Embassy or Consulate pagination pages . The “Embassy”, “Consulate”, or “Mission” link in the navigation will immediately direct to the pagination instead of the “Locations” Landing page. New Functionality Facebook Feed – Sidebar width ... Read More»

By | 21 August, 2018 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes – July 2018

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) Performance Updates– Updated several plugins and settings to improve overall site performance. Security Updates– Updated to WordPress version 4.9.7. New Functionality Google Maps Page Embed – Customized Google Maps may now be embedded in pages and posts. Instructions for New Functionality Google Maps Creation and Embed Guidelines Create a short ... Read More»

By | 24 July, 2018 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

Webinar: Usability and the User Experience

We’d like to thank all of you who attended the Webinar on June 13th. Knowing that some of you were unable to attend, we are providing you with a recorded version of the 9:00 PM session and slideshow  (PDF 4 MB) for your convenience. Presenter: Clara Hall Clara’s Biography:  Clara is the Deputy Director of the Office ... Read More»

By | 14 June, 2018 | Topics: Webinar

Webinar: Alerts and Notifications

We’d like to thank all of you who attended the Webinar on May 30th. Knowing that some of you were unable to attend, we are providing you with a recorded version of the 9:00 PM session. Presenter: Niki Deanda Niki’s Biography:  Niki has been an educator and IT training specialist for over 30 years. As a ... Read More»

By | 1 June, 2018 | Topics: Webinar

WordPress Release Notes – May 2018

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) Social Media Stream –Cleaned and updated streams on Live Sites to streamline display and enhance functionality. Performance Updates– Updated several plugins and settings to improve overall site performance. New Functionality Dual Clock Sidebar – Updated to automatically account for Daylight Savings time when setting clock times. Post and page scheduling ... Read More»

By | 3 May, 2018 | Topics: News, Release Notes

WordPress Release Notes – April 2018

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) System Update –Updated to latest version of WordPress 4.9.5. Uber Menu Search Icon – Identified and corrected a bug affecting the Search icon in the dropdown menu. New Functionality Dual Clock Sidebar – Users now have ability to add a Dual Clock to any post or page sidebar. Instructions for ... Read More»

By | 5 April, 2018 | Topics: News, Release Notes

WordPress Release Notes – March 2018

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) System Update –Updated to latest version of WordPress 4.9.4. New Functionality White Label Courseware – The Office of Digital, in collaboration with the Office of Design, has implemented the ability for U.S. Mission sites to take advantage of Design’s white label courseware. This functionality allows a Post to embed courses ... Read More»

By | 8 March, 2018 | Topics: News, Release Notes

WordPress Release Notes – February 2018

Release Details Code Changes (transparent to end-users)   News & Events Menu – Identified and corrected a bug causing a display issue in the News & Events dropdown Facebook Video Slider – Identified and corrected a bug causing Facebook videos embedded in slideshow to be muted by Featured Image Captions – Identified and corrected a ... Read More»

By | 12 February, 2018 | Topics: News, Release Notes

Sample Contract Opportunity 1 – Reference # (Closing Date)

Small, medium and large companies: for those of you who are responsible offerors, with permits and licenses to do business in XYZ and interested in offering your services, supplies and/or goods/items to the U.S. Embassy in XYZ, please submit your DUNS number (see below), name, title, company name, complete address, telephone number, cell phone number, ... Read More»

By | 25 January, 2018 | Topics: Contract Opportunities | Tags:

Sample Alert Post Title

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We ... Read More»

By | 15 January, 2018 | Topics: Alerts

WordPress Release Notes – January 2018

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) Pagination – Identified and corrected a bug causing unpublished pages to appear in pagination. Design Changes (look and feel) Notifications– Formerly the “Alert Bar”, Notifications now appear in a light gray bar above the global navigation created using the “Notification” category. Only the most recent post tagged with “Notification” will ... Read More»

By | 12 January, 2018 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

Sample Alert Post Title

Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, Reverend Clergy, fellow citizens: We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom–symbolizing an end as well as a beginning–signifying renewal as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same ... Read More»

By | 11 January, 2018 | Topics: Alerts

WordPress Release Notes – November 2017

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) Internal Links – All insecure (HTTP) links will now automatically save and display as secure links (HTTPS). Home Breadcrumb – Identified and corrected a bug affecting the Home breadcrumb URL in language sections of sites. The Home breadcrumb now links to language home page. WordPress – Updated WordPress to latest ... Read More»

By | 30 November, 2017 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes – November 2017

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) Embedded Content – All embedded content must be secure (HTTPS) or it will no longer display. HTTP and other unsecure embedded content will be blocked for security purposes. Design Changes (look and feel) Photo Gallery –Embedded gallery is now responsive and displays images in portrait or landscape and varying dimensions ... Read More»

By | 2 November, 2017 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes – October 2017

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) Suggested Post Category – Corrected a bug that was preventing this feature from working properly in the Featured Event Template. Media Library – Corrected a bug affecting file uploads and sidebar file details in Grid and List modes. Uber Menu –Corrected a bug preventing the Uber Menu to display properly ... Read More»

By | 5 October, 2017 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

Webinar: U.S. Citizen Services Changes

We’d like to thank all of you who attended the Webinar on September 27th.  In total, we had more than 100 participants! Knowing that some of you were unable to attend, we are providing you with a recorded version of the 9:00 PM session. We hope you enjoyed it, and we’re looking forward to conducting ... Read More»

By | 28 September, 2017 | Topics: Webinar

WordPress Release Notes – August 2017

Code Changes (transparent to end-users) Image Titles – Corrected a bug that was preventing titles from displaying when hovering over images. Event Calendar –Updated language date format to pull directly from string translations. If correct date string translation is set on site, date automatically displays in this format. Design Changes (look and feel) Media Library ... Read More»

By | 24 August, 2017 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes – July 2017

Design Changes (look and feel) Safety and Security Messages – Adjusted to display only previous 6 months of messages on page. If there are no security messages in the previous 6 months, the following message appears: “THERE ARE NO ACTIVE SECURITY MESSAGES AT THIS TIME.” Suggested for You Links – Moved SUGGESTED FOR YOU related ... Read More»

By | 28 July, 2017 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

Webinar: Website Wrap-up

We’d like to thank all of you who attended the Webinar on July 19th.  In total, we had approximately 175 participants! Knowing that some of you were unable to attend, we are providing you with a recorded version of the 9:00 PM session. We hope you enjoyed it, and we’re looking forward to conducting more ... Read More»

By | 21 July, 2017 | Topics: Webinar

Sample Alumni Post Title

People who have participated in exchange programs at U.S. colleges often go on to do amazing things. Their talents, combined with their early international experience studying at an excellent U.S. college, have helped several to eventually become ambassadors to the United Nations or heads of international organizations. Several exchange program graduates have won the Nobel Prize ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Alumni

Sample Alumni Post Title

Every month, former students of the University of Texas at Austin meet to listen to an expert speaker or cheer on the school’s football team. Recently, the group started an annual Texas-style barbecue to raise money to send promising local young people to study at their alma mater. This alumni club is not meeting in ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Alumni

Sample Alumni Post Title

One studied in Hong Kong and today prepares the next generation of tech leaders. Another, a former exchange student in Spain, helps journalists in conflict areas. Another is the only United Nations high-level commissioner under the age of 45. They made Forbes’s annual  30 Under 30 , which recognizes bright young entrepreneurs, breakout talent and change agents in 20 different professional ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Alumni

Sample Alumni Post Title

Fulbright Program  participants do amazing things: 54 went on to win the Nobel Prize; 33 have served as heads of state or government. Named for former U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright, the program is considered by many the nation’s flagship international educational exchange program. It’s helped 360,000 participants — from the U.S. and more than 160 participating countries — ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Alumni

Sample Education Post Title

Mobile technology is improving access to quality education in sub-Saharan Africa, a region in which millions of children drop out of primary school each year and schools are strapped for new teachers. Students and their Eneza virtual teacher (Courtesy of Eneza Education) In 2009, Steve Vosloo, a learning specialist, launched Yoza Cellphone Stories in South Africa to ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Education

Sample Education Post Title

KAKATA, Liberia — Former first lady Michelle Obama visited a leadership camp for girls in Liberia to launch her latest Africa visit, urging the teens in one of the world’s poorest countries to keep fighting to stay in school. With her own teenage daughters joining her, Obama told the girls she was “just so thrilled ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Education

Sample Visa Post -Title

The United States isn’t a cashless society, but few people walk around with enough dollars to pay for everything in cash. Most Americans, including college students, carry a credit card in their wallets. They prefer the convenience of swiping credit cards in stores and using them to order things online, or even to pay for ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Visas

Sample Visa Post Title

There’s still time to register for the Diversity Visa Program. Registration for the 2018 lottery closes at noon EST (17:00 GMT) November 7, 2016. Are you in? If you’re still  planning to enter , take a look at the most frequently asked questions about the program, with answers from the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs. What does ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Visas

Sample Visa Post Title

October 4 marks the opening of registration for the Diversity Visa (DV) 2018 Program, which annually makes available up to 55,000 U.S. immigrant visas to people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. For many, receiving an immigrant visa to the United States can be a dream come true. But if you’re applying, ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Visas

Sample Visa Post Title

So you’re going to visit the United States to see the sights and have fun? Excellent. But take care of your visa before you book the flight and reserve your hotel room. The best way to ensure a hassle-free trip is to build in enough time to have your visa ready when you’ll need it. ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Visas

Sample Ambassador Post Title

“Today is a dark day,” said U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley as she condemned North Korea’s “reckless and irresponsible” missile launch of July 4. Speaking at an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on July 5, Haley called the launch a “clear and sharp military escalation” and said North Korea’s actions threatened all ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador

Sample Ambassador Post Title

Haley, the daughter of immigrants from India, was the first female governor of South Carolina and the country’s first female governor of Indian descent. Before she resigned as governor January 24, Haley — born in 1972 — had been the nation’s youngest chief state executive.  “Governor Haley has a proven  track record of bringing people together  regardless of background or party affiliation ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador

Sample Ambassador Post Title

At the apex of U.S. embassies around the world are diplomats who hold the august title of “ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the United States of America.” Whether one has made a career in the Foreign Service, or in the world of business, in academe or elsewhere, being asked by the president to represent America ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador

Sample Ambassador Post Title

The life of an ambassador is a busy one. Being the lead representative of a nation, negotiating policy, hosting visiting dignitaries, and staying on top of the local politics is a 24/7 job. U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom Matthew Barzun understands this. While maintaining the special relationship with his host country and preparing for ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador

Sample Event Title (Parallax Transparent Post Template)

After marathon negotiations, the United States and its international partners reached a historic framework to limit Iran’s nuclear program and keep it peaceful. “Today, the United States — together with our allies and partners — has reached an historic understanding with Iran,” Former  President Obama said at the White House  on April 2, in announcing  key parameters  of the understanding. “I am convinced if this ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Events | Tags:

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Where can you find virtual-reality gadgets, 3-D printers and robots under the same roof? The International Consumer Electronics Show, an annual gathering in Las Vegas of all things high-tech. More than 140 countries are expected to be represented at the 2015 event. In the U.S., events like  South by Southwest  and  TechCrunch Disrupt  also attract the world’s innovators and feature their ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Events

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When you switch on a light or fire up the stove, do you think about where your energy comes from? Probably not, until the lights go off. Countries increasingly develop and transport natural gas to prevent potentially crippling supply disruptions. “Powered by new innovation and technology, we are now on the cusp of a true energy ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Events

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It may be a few years away, but one day vehicle owners could pull up to a gas station and fill up with charged electrolytes. A breakthrough battery developed at Purdue University in  Indiana  may change how we power our electric vehicles and enhance global energy security. It’s a flow battery — a type of rechargeable battery composed ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Events

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PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP’S SPEECH TO THE ARAB ISLAMIC AMERICAN SUMMIT Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 21, 2017 Thank you, I want to thank King Salman for his extraordinary words, and the magnificent Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting today’s summit. I am honored to be received by such gracious hosts. I have always heard about ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Speeches

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President Trump delivered this inaugural address on January 20, 2017. THE PRESIDENT: Chief Justice Roberts, President Carter, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, fellow Americans, and people of the world: thank you. We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and restore its promise for all of ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Speeches

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In 2010, when Kheston Walkins was pursuing his undergraduate degree in medical neuroscience, he discovered a passion for graphic design. He decided to start his own company, but was discouraged by friends who didn’t understand why he was taking the risk. “Most people in Trinidad are risk averse — they want the lowest risk but ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Consul General, Speeches

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Mahatma Gandhi helped put it in India’s constitution. Martin Luther King exercised it from jail. Without it, George Washington thought men would be like sheep led to the slaughter. Freedom of expression belongs to us all (the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says so),  including online . When free speech is used to express views that we ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Speeches

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Every four years, the best Jewish athletes from around the world converge on Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa to compete at the Maccabiah Games — commonly known as the “Jewish Olympics.” The Games, which began in 1932, are organized by the  Maccabi World Union , an international Jewish sports organization spanning five continents. The 20th Maccabiah Games , taking place July 4–18, ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Press Releases | Tags: ,

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As part of her trip to Poland with the president, senior White House adviser Ivanka Trump honored the victims of the Holocaust and the memories of Poland’s Jewish community. Accompanied by the Chief Rabbi of Poland, Michael Schudrich, Trump on July 6 laid a wreath at the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes. The memorial commemorates the 1943 ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Press Releases

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President Donald J. Trump affirmed on July 6 the U.S. commitment to Poland, Central and Eastern Europe, and the NATO alliance while emphasizing support for national sovereignty and independence. “A strong alliance of free, sovereign and independent nations is the best defense for our freedoms and for our interests,” President Trump said in a July 6 address ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Press Releases

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The United States and France “are forever joined together by the spirit of revolution and the fight for freedom,” President Donald J. Trump said after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on a trip to celebrate France’s national day. Bastille Day is the French national day, commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison, which is ... Read More»

By | 13 July, 2017 | Topics: Press Releases

WordPress Release Notes – June 2017

Design Changes (look and feel) Accordion –Set new photo size limit of 200×400 pixels. Images over the size limit will now be auto re-sized to 200×400 pixels. Photos under size limit will display at original dimensions. Homepage Blogroll –  Adjusted image display aspect ratio and image cropping. Footer –  Adjusted U.S. Flag display. New Functionality ... Read More»

By | 21 June, 2017 | Topics: Exclude All, News, Release Notes | Tags:

WordPress Release Notes – March 2017

Design Changes (look and feel) Slider – Made minor design changes to the slider to improve end-user experience. Functionality Changes Holiday Calendar Date – Added the ability to customize date format display for Languages. Excerpts – Added ability to display hyperlinks in the automated excerpt generated for posts. If a hyperlink is added in the ... Read More»

By | 23 March, 2017 | Topics: News, Release Notes | Tags:

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