THE NATION - News from May 21, 2009

President Obama told the astronauts aboard space shuttle Atlantis that they were an example of the dedication and commitment to exploration that represents America.

And by the way, he asked during a lighthearted phone call from the Oval Office, could they see if anyone was taking care of his Chicago home?

“Did you guys see my house?” Obama joked with the crew, which flew over Illinois earlier in the mission. “I’m trying to figure out if my lawn is getting mowed there. I haven’t been back in a couple months.”