WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House briefing room on Monday might have been a fire marshal’s nightmare. For the first time in 449 days, reporters could cram into every seat for the daily briefing. Coronavirus restrictions had kept one of the most recognized rooms in the U.S. government almost empty. But mass vaccinations allowed reporters to first doff their masks on May 13. And now they can once again gather in a pack of raised hands, shouting, hard-eyed stares and the occasional grimace. As White House press secretary Jen Psaki stepped to the lectern, she told the crowd she hoped everyone was cozy.
