Reduction in Help Desk support

The services provided by the GPA Digital Help Desk have been reduced effective July 1. The 24/7/365 Help Desk that GPA has maintained in the past will continue to publish time-sensitive alerts and messages that protect American citizens’ safety. Sections locked for administrative access will also continue to be updated by the GPA Help Desk. …

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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 …

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Writing Effective Link Text

Links are the backbone of a web page, and it’s important to use good text to link from one page to another. Follow these guidelines to produce the best link text. Guidelines for Writing Link Text   Do not: Use “here” or “click here” as link text, and don’t include them within link text. Many …

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Requesting Website Edit Access

Q: How can I request edit access for the mission website? A: To request edit access for websites hosted on either MWP 1.0 or MWP 2.0, users need to request a WordPress login through mMyData on OpenNet and submit form DS-4304 . Here are the steps to follow when filling out the form: Select an authorizing official, …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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. …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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. …

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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. …

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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. …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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#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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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.

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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.)   …

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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 …

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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 …

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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.

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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 , …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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Update Request Guidelines

Effective 12:01 AM EDT Friday, July 1, 2022, GPA Digital Help Desk support will be significantly reduced. The 24/7/365 Help Desk that GPA has maintained in the past will only be available to publish time-sensitive alerts and messages that protect American citizens’ safety. Other website updates, including routine alerts and messages, will be the responsibility …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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