The New York state court trying former President Donald Trump on criminal charges empaneled a full 12-person jury on the third day of the trial Thursday, according to reports.

The trial approached the end of its first phase Thursday afternoon as one of six alternate jurors was also selected. Selection of more alternates will continue Friday.

Juan Merchan, the judge overseeing the case, said Tuesday that oral arguments could begin as early as the start of next week, and the selection of jurors appeared to make that possibility more likely. The court did not meet Wednesday.

Seven jurors had been chosen before Thursday, but two were excused before the court broke for lunch. Seven more jurors were chosen in the afternoon.

The trial, which could go weeks, is keeping Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, away from the campaign trail. He complained to reporters as he exited the courtroom that the trial was interfering with his campaign, CNN reported.

During a break Thursday, the former president posted a message on his social media platform blasting the U.S. House bipartisan foreign aid package, which Republican Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana has endorsed.

A New York grand jury last year charged Trump with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, saying he lied about payments his former attorney and fixer Michael Cohen made to adult film star Stormy Daniels in the leadup to the 2016 presidential election to cover up an affair. Trump has denied the affair.

Cohen is expected to take the stand during the trial, and Trump’s defense team will likely make his credibility a major issue. Cohen first denied any role in the payments, but later admitted to paying Daniels $130,000.

In 2018, he pleaded guilty to federal charges, including perjury, for lying to a congressional committee about a separate incident and served a prison sentence.Some polling suggests a guilty verdict in the trial could hurt Trump’s standing with voters, though observers differ on whether even a felony conviction would seriously erode his base of support.

The smallest American State by total area and with a total population of just over 1 million inhabitants, what the “Ocean State” of Rhode Island may lack in size it compensates for with splendid natural beauty and fascinating history. A key component of the New England Region, Rhode Island’s welcoming and charming towns reflect the very best of this historic destination that joined the Union in 1790. From breathtaking Atlantic Ocean vistas to alluring communities dating to the 18^th century, the scenic and unique towns in Rhode Island are perfect ways for the entire family to enjoy a holiday. So come see some of the best of New England through an exploration of these beautifully scenic and inviting Rhode Island towns!

Jamestown

One of Rhode Island’s oldest European settlements, Jamestown can trace its foundational history to the mid 1600s! Beautifully located on Conanicut Island (in Narragansett Bay), this historic place is indeed a most fascinating destination to discover where history and natural beauty come together. Including the small islands of Dutch and Gould, visitors to Jamestown will find a most charming community of just under 6,000 residents. Full of stunning ocean views and island breezes, guests will also never be short on historic attractions to experience. These include the Beavertail Lighthouse (1856), the Windmill Hill Historic District, Fort Getty (1901), the Conanicut Battery, and the Jamestown Archeological District, amongst many others. Add in a welcoming assortment of local businesses, restaurants, and shops, and the sights and sounds of Jamestown truly make it one of the most welcoming and scenic places in all of Rhode Island.

New Shoreham/Block Island

The town of New Shoreham can also trace its history to the mid 17^th century, where today a modest population of just over 1,400 reside. Located on Block Island, New Shoreham is the State’s southernmost place and offers truly exquisite views of the Atlantic Ocean and loads of beautiful rolling green hills. A visual delight that all ages can marvel and appreciate, make sure not to miss a stop at the Mohegan Bluffs lookout or plan an afternoon at a most welcoming beach area. Full of great opportunities to go sailing, swimming, and sunbathing, New Shoreham and Block Island indeed never offers a dull moment. And with such inviting cultural events like the Fourth of July Parade and unique historic attractions like the Southeast Lighthouse (1875) and the Block Island Historical Society Museum, there is always something charming and fun to waiting to be discovered for the entire family.

Warren

Warren is located on the eastern banks of the same named river, where today just over 11,000 inhabitants reside. Settled by English colonists back in the 1680s, Warren remains a most peaceful and naturally beautiful town where guests can also discover fascinating stories of American history. Spend time at such attractions like the previously mentioned Warren River or the Kickemuit River, where one can even view such wildlife like deer, foxes, and varying bird species. Meanwhile for the historically inclined guest, Warren’s most charming Waterfront Historic District is a wonderful place to feel the sense of stepping back in time. Marvel at an assortment of well preserved landmarks and buildings from the 18^th and 19^th centuries, many of which are included on the National Register of Historic Places. Add in a cute selection of local shops and restaurants, and Warren truly gives off a quintessential portrait of scenic and welcoming small town Americana.

Bristol

The seat of the same named county, the town of Bristol was established in the 1680s and today this charming and fascinating historic centre is the home to just under 23,000 residents. A great place to directly discover American history, Bristol hosts several buildings and landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Mount Hope Farm (1745), the County Jail (1828), the Bristol Ferry Lighthouse (1855), and the inviting Waterfront Historic District, amongst several others. And when not learning about the past, visitors to Bristol will surely never find a shortage of beautiful natural surroundings to admire. From awesome Atlantic Ocean vistas to stunning public park areas like the Blithwold Gardens and Arboretum, there is always a breathtaking view to be had in this Rhode Island community. Add in fun opportunities for sailing, kayaking, swimming, and bike riding, and visiting Bristol will surely be something the entire family will want to repeat.

Narragansett

Narragansett is one of Rhode Island’s most popular summer hot spots, and guests from all across the State descend on the town for great outdoors fun. Indeed whether it is sailing, swimming, or sunbathing, Narragansett’s beautiful beach areas are perfect ways for all ages to enjoy a holiday. Located along a narrow strip of the Pettaquamscutt River, the historic Narragansett is also a great place to see a number of fascinating historic attractions. These include the Point Judith Lighthouse (1857) and the castle gate known as The Towers (1883), amongst others that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Meanwhile an afternoon at the Fishermen’s Memorial State Park is ideal for a calm and relaxing outing, while generally comfortably temperatures year round make Narragansett always in vogue.

Foster

Home to a modest population of just under 4,500 inhabitants, the charming small town of Foster is an ideal place for a scenic and inviting weekend retreat. Formally established in the 17^th century, and just some 20 miles from the State capital of Providence, guests can expect to find a pretty natural ambience and alluring historic attractions. Visit the Clayville Historic District and admire such landmarks like the Captain George Dorrance House (1720) and the Mount Vernon Tavern (1761). These and other sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, truly do give one a sense of time travel and to the fledging years of the young United States. Meanwhile do not forget about such natural wonders like Killingly Pond or the very special Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge. Whether one walks or drives across, a very special set of photographic memories will be sure to follow.

Richmond

Richmond is a short 35 mile drive from capital city of Providence, and it is an excellent choice for those in the capital region to enjoy a day trip or two. With a population of just over 8,000 residents, Richmond offers its inhabitants and visitors alike a peaceful natural atmosphere with plenty of American historic attraction. Spend time exploring the historic villages of Tug Hollow, Arcadia, Kenyon, Hillsdale, and Shannock, amongst others that really immerse one in the daily life of the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Add in the splendid, forested framing of the area, and a most charming and rustic mood is definitely set. And as with any typical smaller town, a great assortment of local restaurants, businesses, shops, and galleries dot the landscape, making Richmond a truly wholesome place to appreciate small town USA. Indeed whether its strolling though the village historic districts, admiring the scenic woods, or greeting the friendly locals, Richmond is a wonderful Rhode Island experience.

Also known as the “Ocean State”, Rhode Island is a key feature of the America’s New England region. While its geographic and demographic size may be size, Rhode Island is definitely big in natural splendor and fascinating history, that make it an ideal place to vacation in. Through an exploration of some of the State’s small towns, one can discover not only awesome geographic beauty but charming snapshots of old America. From the island allure of New Shoreham to the historic sights of Bristol, these and other Rhode Island towns are truly treasures waiting to be experienced firsthand! So when travelling the American northeast, do not forget about Rhode Island and these wonderfully scenic and inviting small towns, that will definitely enrich any holiday for every age in the family.

Read more Stateline coverage of how communities across the country are trying to create more affordable housing.

HERNDON, Va. — Juan Ramirez, watching his dog play in Chandon Park here in suburban Virginia on a Saturday morning, tries to imagine the massive office buildings next to the park becoming apartments and townhouses.

“I guess it’s inevitable. People don’t use offices as much now. I hope it’s affordable. Maybe it’ll bring more young people to town, more taxes for parks,” said Ramirez, 38, who grew up in the area and returned recently to take a restaurant management job after living in Minnesota and Ohio.

Cities and suburbs around the country are struggling with vacant office space as remote work becomes an established post-pandemic reality. States are stepping in with tax breaks and zoning changes to help replace the unwanted cubicle farms with much-needed housing. In suburbs such as Herndon, the answer might be tearing down an office complex and replacing it with a residential building. In more urban environments it might mean renovating and retrofitting office buildings to create apartments.

“Office vacancy has climbed to a 30-year high and at the same time there’s a housing shortage. So naturally the question is, ‘Why can we not convert all these vacant office buildings into housing?’” said Jessica Morin, research director for CBRE, a commercial real estate firm. CBRE research shows converting offices to other uses, mostly housing, is set to peak this year at more than 20 million square feet, up from 6.3 million in 2021.

Some places that started conversions before the pandemic are leading the way: New York state and New York City changed their laws during a 1990s downturn to allow more office-to-apartment conversions in Manhattan, although now there’s a state vs. city standoff on zoning rules to convert newer offices.

Ohio, where interest in city living grew when Cleveland spruced up its downtown for the 2016 Republican convention, now has three cities — Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus — in the top 15 list for office conversions to housing, according to CBRE.

Nationwide, 119 office conversion projects, including for residential and other use, are under construction or were completed this year, the most since CBRE began tracking them in 2016. Those projects could add about 44,000 new housing units when completed.

Since 2016, projects representing 125 million square feet of offices have or are slated to be converted to other uses, usually to housing but sometimes to warehouses or laboratories. But despite the recent increase, that represents only about 2% of all U.S. office space.

Impediments to making apartments out of offices include the still-high value of office buildings in some downtown areas in cities such as San Francisco, and the cost of demolishing or refitting old office buildings with plumbing for individual kitchens and bathrooms. Many office buildings also lack windows with natural light, which apartment-dwellers often demand.

That’s why state incentives have played a large part, as well as streamlined zoning that makes project costs more predictable for developers. Some states are further along than others. A new California law allows residential “building by right” in office and other commercial zones, meaning developers don’t have to petition for a zoning change. Washington state passed a law last year requiring cities to ease zoning requirements for housing in existing commercial buildings. And an Arizona bill signed into law this month will allow larger cities to convert more commercial buildings into housing without zoning changes.

Predictable zoning rules are important to developers who don’t want to get bogged down in negotiations and refusals that could sink a project.

“Developers just urge their states and localities to be really transparent, streamline the process, make the unknowns limited, because it’s the unknowns that drive risks,” said Julie Whelan, a vice president at CBRE. “Otherwise, they’re going to go look at the next pasture.”

Incentive programs

In addition to the Ohio cities, Chicago; Dallas/Fort Worth; Houston; Hartford and Fairfield County in Connecticut; the Kansas City metro area; Louisville, Kentucky; Minneapolis/St. Paul; Pittsburgh; Milwaukee; New Jersey; and Washington, D.C., are on CBRE’s top 15 list for rate of office space converted to apartments.

Ohio has two incentive programs for office conversion to housing. A 2020 program for “transformational” projects that could spur further development helped convert four floors of offices to apartments under construction at Playhouse Square in Cleveland. A historic building preservation incentive in place since 2007 helped partly convert Carew Tower in Cincinnati to apartments, said Mason Waldvogel, a spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Development.

Missouri is hoping to replicate that success in St. Louis, where about a quarter of the commercial space, including offices, is vacant. That includes the massive 44-story One AT&T Building downtown, with almost 1.5 million square feet, that sold for $3.6 million this month, compared with $205 million in 2006.

Missouri state Sen. Steven Roberts, a Democrat who represents the downtown St. Louis area, said a bill he’s sponsoring has bipartisan support from suburban Republicans, and is aimed at creating downtown areas in St. Louis and elsewhere where people can live, shop and eat as well as work. The bill was voted out of committee in February and is awaiting consideration by the full Senate.

The bill would create a state tax credit for up to 30% of the cost of converting office space to housing, retail or other uses.

“It’s a creative workaround to make downtown more vibrant and successful. We want to get more restaurants, more stores, more nightlife — and the way to do that is to get more people living there,” said Roberts. “It’s an issue for downtown and also for the whole state.”

Other states have enacted laws to encourage more conversion of offices to housing, according to a Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank report last year. Laws passed by Florida and Montana in 2023 allow new and converted multifamily housing in commercial areas, and laws in Rhode Island and Wisconsin support conversion of existing commercial and office buildings.

A Colorado bill now in committee would provide tax credits for commercial conversion to housing starting in 2026, supporting Denver’s plans to transition its office-oriented Central Business District to a “Central Neighborhood District.” Denver identified 16 commercial buildings as prime candidates for housing.

Zoning changes

Starting in the mid-1990s, a combination of state and city laws helped transform lower Manhattan’s business district with more apartments, a process that accelerated after 9/11. A proposal by Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul to expand the program to newer buildings failed to pass the legislature as part of a broader measure that included requirements for suburban and upstate communities to build more housing. Negotiations are continuing with lawmakers to make the change for New York City this year.

New York City also has begun working on its own rules to allow office-to-housing conversions citywide for buildings built before 1990, said Casey Berkovitz, spokesperson for the Department of City Planning. The state could do it faster and could also create tax incentives that the city cannot create on its own, and that’s also part of current negotiations with the state legislature, Berkovitz said.

“When you have a 20% office vacancy rate and a 1.4% rental apartment vacancy rate, it makes a lot of sense to substitute one for the other,” Berkovitz said. “We don’t want our own regulations standing in the way of that if it makes financial sense.”

In Herndon, town officials last month approved a zoning change that would clear the way for demolition of the Worldgate Drive offices and the construction of a combination of rental apartments, townhouses and “two over two” units with accessory living areas an owner can rent out or share with family members. All apartments would be market rate without subsidized affordable units, Ken Wire, an attorney for the developer, Boston Properties, said at last month’s hearing on the zoning change.

“We believe that by providing more housing in the area, we are adding to the overall supply, which thereby reduces price pressures in the market,” Wire said.

Virginia considered two state Senate bills this session that would have created incentives to convert offices to apartments but neither has passed, said Allison Brown, policy associate for the nonprofit Virginia Housing Alliance. One would have created a state income tax credit for office-to-residential conversion, and another would have allowed more residential building in commercial areas if they included affordable housing.

The Worldgate Drive housing plan may spur Herndon to change its zoning rules to allow similar projects without zoning changes, said Elizabeth Gilleran, the town’s director of community development.

Herndon wants to “retain its sense of community and historic small-town feel” but also keep a strong commercial tax base that has helped support the town’s tax coffers when home values inevitably rise and fall, Gilleran said. The town recently approved conversion of a small office park and a hotel to homes. But offices and other commercial buildings will remain a key component of the town’s suburban building mix as density grows with a recent new commuter rail stop that opened in 2022.

“The town doesn’t wish to become a bedroom community,” Gilleran said.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: [email protected]. Follow Stateline on Facebook and Twitter.