"Controversy Erupts as Panera Bread Receives Minimum Wage Exemption After Donation to Governor"

California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing backlash and calls for an investigation after allowing an exemption to the state's $20 minimum wage law that benefits a donor, allowing Panera Bread franchise locations to continue paying employees $16 an hour. The move has prompted criticism from Republican lawmakers, who are calling it "crony capitalism" and demanding a probe into the "crooked deal." The donor, billionaire Greg Flynn, has donated significant amounts to Newsom's campaigns and reportedly lobbied for the exemption. Newsom's office stated that the legislation resulted from extensive negotiations with various stakeholders and denied any single entity's influence over the outcome.