Praising his character, the Philadelphia Inquirer has endorsed Democrat Andy Kim for U.S. Senate.

“Kim represents a clean break with the Garden State’s oftentimes transactional form of politics, offering a campaign that’s focused on meeting the needs of his constituents, rather than fulfilling political agendas,” the editorial board stated, contrasting the three-term congressman from politicians like Bob Menendez and Chris Christie.   “Voters aren’t likely to see a picture of Kim and his family enjoying the beach after voting to ban everyone else from the Shore.

The newspaper called him “knowledgeable, insightful and practical.”

“He also has realistic plans to help families in New Jersey and elsewhere deal with the rising cost of living,” the endorsement stated.  “From boosting the child tax credit to helping small businesses access needed capital, Kim’s ideas represent key lifelines that can help people achieve the American dream.

Kim faces Republican Curtis Bashaw, a hotel owner and developer from Cape May.

Support for Kim was full-throated; six years ago, the Inquirer “reluctantly” endorsed Menendez for re-election in what they called a dismal choice between a “deeply damaged” incumbent who had survived a 2017 bribery trial and a self-funding Republican who had made his money by selling unaffordable prescription drugs for cancer patients.

“If New Jersey gives him a second chance and elects him to a third term, he has an unwavering obligation to act with integrity at all times. He told the Inquirer Editorial Board that he would be more careful when advocating for issues his friends raise — and that he learned a lesson about the importance of appearances of conflict,” the editorial board stated.  “How he missed it the first time is hard to imagine.”

That year, the Inquirer endorsed Kim against two-term Republican incumbent Tom MacArthur.

Kim has already won the endorsement of the Star-Ledger.

2-minute read

Lovers of guacamole, stunning dinner venues and craft cocktails are about to have a new place to dunk chips and take sips, because Maize Cocina & Cocktails — a highly-anticipated Mexican fusion restaurant — is coming to Westfield.

Taking over the historic town train station, the globally-inspired spot is set to open its doors on Tuesday.

And, as a self-proclaimed taco aficionado (aren’t we all?), I already have a reservation.

“Maize Cocina & Cocktails will transport diners through a Mexican fusion menu that showcases dishes inspired by Mexico’s rich culinary traditions, melded with diverse worldly influences,” the restaurant’s PR team said. It’s “to offer guests a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience.”

Colloquially, that means Mexican classic dishes are about to meet New American grub in a contemporary, cross-cultural mash-up.

(So, you’re going to want to book your table, too).

A contemporary Mexican restaurant in historic digs

Maize Cocina & Cocktails will be located at 301 N Ave. West in the now-renovated Westfield train station. Boasting a gorgeous 100-seat dining room, the restaurant has an aesthetic to match its anticipated cuisine — and a full list of specialty cocktails.

Some menu items to be served at the upcoming concept include a Mexican Bar Pie (featuring a masa crust, charred vegetables and queso Oaxaca), Bavette Steak (with poblano butter, masa fries and chimichurri rojo) and Black Garlic Mochiko Tacos with hot honey salsa macha. Chilaquiles are advertised as innovative, while Octopus Pastor will be plated with pineapple purée and achiote-roasted plantains. Each promises to exemplify the team’s aforementioned hybrid culinary genre goal.

Behind Maize’s distinct creations is chef Jesa Henneberry, a New York City culinary consultant who helped launch acclaimed plant-based Mexican restaurant Jajaja, Heritage Grand Bakery in Bryant Park and more. Earlier in her career, she was crowned a champion of Food Network’s “Chopped” and has spent 14 years as a “sought-after” personal chef.

“Creating unique yet approachable cuisine and culinary experiences is what Chef Jesa does best,” the PR team said. “And she’s thrilled to be doing that now in New Jersey at Maize Cocina & Cocktails.”

She, alongside co-owner Kamal Arora and chef de cuisine Isaias Lira (Atla, Cosme, Bouley), will soon welcome guests into the new concept.

Maize Cocina & Cocktails will be located at 301 N Ave. West in Westfield. To learn more about the restaurant, visit maizewestfield.com.

Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can’t find her in Jersey’s best restaurants, she’s probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.

PLAINSBORO, N.J. — The NAACP is calling for the removal of the man who runs the New Jersey State Police after the state attorney general released a scathing report about the institution.

NAACP New Jersey State Conference President Richard Smith says the recent report exposed the underbelly of the New Jersey State Police.

“The report and the memo released by Attorney General Platkin is not news to us,” Smith said.

The state-funded investigations highlighted discriminatory hiring practices and found that the internal affairs process was weaponized against some troopers. The attorney general recommended policy reforms.

Advocates call for reform throughout New Jersey State Police

Smith is calling for Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy to fire State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan and his top deputy.

“Because we don’t believe that either can fulfill the recommendations that you or the law firm that did the investigation have suggested,” Smith said.

Smith says the bias in hiring practices is highlighted by a lack of diversity in the state trooper ranks. Right now, there are a little more than 3,300 state troopers in New Jersey. According to the NAACP, only about 6% of them are Black.

Advocates spoke to reporters Friday in Plainsboro, calling for reform throughout the department.

“If you don’t have a systemic change in policing, it’s not just the person at the top, but you need to have a systemic change throughout the ranks,” said former NYPD lieutenant Darrin Porcher.

“The deconstruction and reconstruction of racist police forces is the strong medicine that is required to deal with a seemingly intractable problem,” said Lawrence Hamm, with the People’s Organization for Progress.

Murphy said the state police must make meaningful reforms but did not respond to the calls for firing the superintendent.

CBS News New York reached out to the New Jersey State Police for a response but did not hear back.