"California Governor Newsom Grilled Over Panera Bread Wage Exemption"

California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing scrutiny over allegations that he favored a campaign donor who owns Panera Bread franchises by pushing for an exemption in a new minimum wage law for fast-food workers. The controversy has sparked demands for an investigation from Republican leaders and drawn comparisons to a previous restaurant-related scandal involving the governor. Newsom's office has dismissed the accusations as "absurd," but questions remain about the drafting of the bill and the nature of the governor's involvement.