The surprising backstory of John Denver’s 1971 American classic ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’

The hit has become the unofficial anthem for the United States during the 2026 World Cup.

By Emily Shiffer

John Denver’s hit 1971 song “Take Me Home, Country Roads” may very well be the song of the summer. It’s certainly the unofficial anthem of the 2026 World Cup for the United States. The tune has gone viral for U.S. fans belting it out following the team’s World Cup wins against Paraguay and Australia, and even after the loss against Turkey.

According to Major League Soccer, Denver’s song was submitted to FIFA by the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) as an option to be played following World Cup wins. Amy Hopfinger, a former executive at U.S. Soccer, ultimately chose the song for the USMNT from a list of other possible hits to be used during warmups, goals and wins. Other potential song choices included “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond and Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.”

USMNT player Chris Richard told Major League Soccer, “All of us know that part of being American is knowing ‘Country Roads,’ so we were all singing it together… It was cool, again, to hear everything from the crowd, and the crowd knows they’ve been our 12th man so far in this tournament. If we need that extra one percent, they’re always there for us. So it’s been amazing.”

Baffled high school teachers want to know why straight boys are ‘always touching each other’

Educators on the front line say boys are more physically affectionate than they used to be.

By Evan Porter

A lot of the doom and gloom about “kids these days” misses a fundamental truth: kids are kids. They’ve always been kids and they always will. Even though the technology and the culture around them has changed, young people are still basically the same.

But there are some subtle differences in today’s younger generations. They’re hard to miss unless you’re interacting with a lot of kids en masse. No one notices the changes in America’s young people quite like teachers.

Communication experts say highly likable people do 10 things in conversations to build relationships

Make a lasting impression in every chat.

By Emily Shiffer

Making friends and developing deeper, stronger relationships starts with good conversation. Sometimes that means small talk at work, while other times it’s the kind of conversation that really takes off at a party.

Some people are naturals when it comes to easy, flowing conversation, especially highly likable people, who tend to attract others and often hold the key to mastering genuine conversation. From their gestures to the way they articulate questions, there’s a lot others can learn from them.

Fireworks were ‘discovered’ in China 2000 years ago. How did they become a 4th of July staple?

Their journey to America’s birthday celebration took more than two millennia to unfold.

By Heather Wake

America’s 250th anniversary will take place on July 4, 2026. For many, this means gathering in the evening to witness dazzling displays of fireworks. Displays will vary, from elaborate stadium shows to family and friends simply lighting Roman candles in the backyard.

But this Fourth of July staple is eight times older than America itself. Its story stretches back more than two thousand years, evolving with each generation before becoming part of America’s biggest celebration.