"Panera Bread's Exemption from California Minimum Wage Law Raises Questions"

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is under scrutiny after a report revealed that one of his longtime donors, a billionaire restaurant owner who owns Panera Bread franchises, benefited from an exemption in the state's new minimum wage law. The exemption, specific to chains that bake and sell their own bread, has raised questions due to the donor's significant political contributions. The revelation has prompted calls for an investigation from the top Republican in the California Assembly, while Newsom's spokesperson defended the law as the result of extensive negotiations. The minimum wage increase, excluding exemptions for certain businesses, is set to take effect on April 1.