What brought Sears down, America is becoming a nation of renters, and more top insights

During the week, the Daily Rundown brings you the day’s trending professional news. On the weekend, we try to keep you current on the big ideas that can help you see what’s coming. Read on and join the conversation.

A nation of renters: Between 2006 and 2016, 7.3 million households joined the ranks of America’s renters. And 78% of those surveyed by Freddie Mac say they believe renting is more affordable than home ownership, up 11 percentage points from just six months ago. Rental prices have steadied in recent months as supply hits a three-decade high, while home prices have been rising faster than income. That may help explain why 58% of renters say they don't currently have plans to buy a home. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Did Amazon cut Sears down? Or did Sears do it to itself?

• The 125-year-old retailer, which filed for bankruptcy protection this week, was more likely a victim of a thousand cuts — many self-inflicted — than one Amazon-sized blow.
• By the 1990s, Walmart’s low prices and massive array of offerings had begun to give Sears a run for its money, CNN’s Chris Isidore writes. Then while Amazon was ascending the ranks of the retail universe, Sears was busy cutting its ranks and shuttering stores.
• In the end, the original “everything store” failed to put sufficient time and money into redesigning its store experience and building a competitive digital platform. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Cotton that’s good enough to eat: Researchers at Texas A&M have developed cotton that contains edible seeds, which could one day help feed the hundreds of millions who struggle with food instability. Typical cotton contains a toxin called gossypol, which is great at keeping insects away but terrible for humans. So, the researchers genetically engineered cotton so that the gossypol stays inside the plant, but not in the seeds. The result? Edible cotton seeds, which are high in protein and taste a bit like hummus. The modified cotton, which received approval from the USDA this past week, could give new purpose to the 40 million tons of cottonseed that’s produced every year. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Where will we live longest? Spain.

Spaniards are expected to live an average 87.4 years by 2040 — likely thanks to their diet — as Spain overtakes Japan as the nation with the longest life expectancy, according to data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. The U.S. is expected to tumble from 43rd to 64th place on the life expectancy rankings, largely on account of its challenges with opioid use, heart disease and other chronic ailments. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Historic foods may soon make a comeback: Farmers and researchers are turning to heirloom varieties of fruits, vegetables and even livestock for clues on how to develop hardier food that can withstand the effects of climate change, National Geographic reports. Much of the food we eat today is bred to grow easily and travel long distances without spoiling, not to withstand changing growing conditions. But many heritage varieties possess resilience to heat, drought, disease and pests, which may become essential as the climate shifts. ? Here’s what people are saying.

One last idea: Being in charge can change how we think and behave in ways we don’t fully recognize, writes Northwestern Kellogg’s Sally Blount, who recently stepped down as dean of the business school. Casting aside some of that power from time to time can give you new perspective.

“Leadership is not for everyone, nor I would argue, should it be for anyone forever. So, it’s important that we, as human leaders, periodically step back and test how truly open and flexible our minds are.”

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— Scott Olster