POLITICAL ABUSE: Conservative Businesses in Illinois Face Aggressive Boycott, Sparking Community Outcry

The Next News Network, along with Awake Illinois, broke the story of a cancel-culture campaign aimed at driving conservative-owned businesses to financial ruin, spotlighting the growing struggle to maintain community values amid mounting political tensions. The issue has ignited a call to action from both businesses and supporters in the Fox Valley area, a region now facing increased division and economic threats.

Among the businesses on the receiving end of this coordinated boycott are Village Squire in South Elgin, Whiskey Bend in St. Charles, and Moveable Feast. These local mainstays have historically served as communal gathering spots, contributing to the fabric of Fox Valley’s social landscape. However, due to their owners' conservative stances, these businesses have now become targets of boycott efforts aimed at stifling conservative voices and promoting political conformity.

One tweet from Next News Network highlights the impact on Village Squire, a family restaurant that has long been a staple in South Elgin. Known for hosting conservative events, the establishment now faces significant backlash that threatens not only its livelihood, but also the local employees and families who rely on it. The report makes it clear that these attacks are not limited to any one business; instead, they are indicative of a broader trend that seeks to force conservative individuals into silence.

Whiskey Bend, a popular St. Charles bar, is similarly on the "hit list" due to the owner's support of MAGA (Make America Great Again). The situation, as explained by Next News Network, is more than just a boycott; it’s a “message: Obey the mob or face financial ruin.” The backlash against these businesses goes beyond individual owners, posing risks to the local economy and livelihoods, as customers, employees, and communities are left to bear the brunt of the resulting financial strain.

In response to these cancel-culture attacks, Awake Illinois and Next News Network have urged patriots and community members to stand with these businesses. “When Moveable Feast was attacked, we FLOODED them with support,” a tweet from the network reads. This rallying cry calls for supporters to patronize and amplify these businesses to counter the financial pressure of the boycott. Supporters have responded with renewed energy, showing up in numbers to ensure that the cancel culture tactics do not succeed in destroying beloved local institutions.

The heart of this controversy isn’t only about political alignment; it reflects a battle for community autonomy and resilience in the face of ideological intimidation. As Gary Franchi of Next News Network emphasized in his recent report, the stakes go beyond political differences. His report calls on residents of Fox Valley to push back against the cancel culture efforts that seek to eliminate conservative voices and impose a single narrative on the community.

With small businesses facing the threat of closure, these boycotts have placed Fox Valley at a crossroads. Supporters are showing up, visiting businesses, and spreading awareness to counter the economic and social harm caused by these actions. For the Fox Valley community, this fight is about more than just business—it's about preserving the spirit of freedom, unity, and diversity of thought that these local establishments represent.

According to Awake Illinois, an Ethics complaint has been filed against Martha Paschke, Alderwoman for Geneva, who is leading this charge against local businesses. The ethics complaint reads: "Alderperson Martha Paschke’s administration and moderation of a local business blacklist based upon political opposition echos the dark days of McCarthyism."

As this story unfolds, Awake Illinois and Next News Network continue to document and share the stories of these businesses, urging supporters to “fight for freedom, community, and AMERICA.” Through their joint efforts, these organizations have shed light on the deeper implications of the boycott, highlighting the importance of standing firm against cancel culture to maintain a vibrant and inclusive community.

The full report from Gary Franchi, available on Next News Network's X account, details the stakes involved and the critical need for solidarity among Fox Valley residents. For supporters, this is a moment to rally in defense of free expression and the values that sustain community bonds. The stakes, as the report emphasizes, are not simply about business—they are about the future of Fox Valley and the preservation of a community that values freedom of choice and respect for diverse viewpoints.