"Newsom's Donor Influence: Panera Bread's Exemption from California's Minimum Wage Law"

A new report reveals that California's fast food law, which mandates a $20 minimum wage for major fast food chains, includes an exemption for Panera Bread and similar establishments due to Governor Newsom's relationship with billionaire Panera franchisee Greg Flynn. Flynn, who opposed the bill, reportedly influenced the exemption, having donated to Newsom's campaigns. Despite facing a referendum threat, the law was ultimately signed with the exemption intact, prompting questions about fairness and negotiation tactics.