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ForestParkReview.com Vol. 109, No.7
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REVIEW FEBRUARY 18, 2026
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AIPAC cash to Conyears-Ervin in 7th District sparks upset
Village remains in financial trouble as it passes audit
Ford said he turned down same offer; Collins, Mendoza question ConyearsErvin’s ethics; Showalter calls $2.8M spend ‘corruption;’ Friedman denies rumor he will leave race
With no signs of revenue surpassing expenses, one commissioner asks to reconsider a restaurant tax By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter
A Super PAC connected with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), has involved itself in a big way in the hotly contested Democratic primary race to replace the retiring Danny Davis in the 7th Congressional District. The United Democracy Project (UDP) has reportedly committed to spending See CONYEARS-ERVIN on page 4
Camp
winter/spring 2026
TODD BANNOR
7th District Congressional candidate Melissa Conyears-Ervin speaks to voters at the Oak Park Public Library.
Though Forest Park passed its most recent financial audit, officials say the village hasn’t shown an improvement in financial stability, sparking conversation about avenues of new revenue. At a Feb. 9 council meeting, Lauterbach and Amen presented its annual audit of Forest Park’s 2025 finances. While the village passed, commissioners questioned just how serious its financial situation is. The village’s general fund this year — or money from taxes, fees and grants that are used for daily operational costs — decreased by See FINANCES on page 14
Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
A look back in time: Dedicating St. Bernardine Church & School
Tom Holmes: Ash Wednesday and accountability
Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
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IN Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 THIS ISSUE Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15