Newsletter: Today: Hospital Deaths in Pasadena. #NeverTrump? Well ...

I’m Davan Maharaj, editor-in-chief of the Los Angeles Times. Here are some story lines I don’t want you to miss today.

TOP STORIES

‘You want a description of hell?’ OxyContin’s 12-hour problem

We just published a massive investigation about the untold story of America’s bestselling painkiller: OxyContin. A lot has been written over the last 20 years about OxyContin and its role in the nation’s prescription drug epidemic. But our investigation uncovered something totally new.

More Deaths Linked to Medical Scopes

Huntington Hospital officials in Pasadena had confirmed in August that three patients were sickened last year after undergoing scope procedures. What they didn’t say publicly: At least three patients died, according to a newly discovered regulatory report. So whom did they tell of the deaths? Olympus Corp., the scope’s manufacturer. Hospital officials this week said they believed patient privacy laws prevented them from telling the public about the deaths.

#NeverTrump? Well …

Donald Trump still needs to reach 1,237 delegates to clinch the GOP nomination. But with Ted Cruz and John Kasich folding their hands this week, it’s all but official. And though some are calling for unity, others are still working through the five stages of Republican grief. Does #NeverTrump mean never, ever?

In His Hour of Need, Sanders’ Cash Is Drying Out

With renewed momentum after a win in Indiana, Bernie Sanders is running short on cash, just when he needs it most. Enter California, where it’s expensive to run a campaign (or, for that matter, rent a house, go to school, etc.). Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton has money to spend. Read on to see why that will force the Sanders team to run a different kind of race in California.

L.A.’s Homeless Crisis Keeps Growing

The number of homeless veterans is down, but new figures show homelessness has increased in Los Angeles: up 11% in the city and 5.7% in the county over last year. Though some say the methodology of the survey may have inflated those percentages, no one disputes the problem is getting worse. Meanwhile, officials are still looking for the money to pay for the billion-dollar plans they OKd this year.

Are You Ready for the Big One?

A leading earthquake scientist says Southern California’s section of the San Andreas fault is “locked, loaded and ready to roll.” The last big quake to strike there was in 1857. The best thing to do: Don’t worry. Prepare.

Pyongyang Is Putting on the Ritz

North Koreans are gearing up for something they haven’t seen since 1980 — a Workers’ Party Congress. How to get ready? New propaganda banners, freshly painted buildings and rehearsals. Julie Makinen takes you inside Pyongyang ahead of Kim Jong Un’s big event — and pays a visit to a North Korean nursery school where armed cartoon characters Squirrel and Hedgehog adorn the walls.

CALIFORNIA

-- The smoking age is raised from 18 to 21 under bills signed by Gov. Jerry Brown.

-- The state Supreme Court hears arguments today on whether Gov. Brown may ask voters to decide on an early release of nonviolent offenders from prison.

-- Overnight, California Republicans lose the promise of a competitive primary and high turnout.

-- The LAPD hacked into the iPhone belonging to the slain wife of “The Shield” actor Michael Jace, documents show.

NATION-WORLD

-- Why Michigan has been lurching from crisis to crisis.

-- In Europe, there’s a sense that Trump, boorish or not, could become president of the United States.

-- The federal government says North Carolina’s LGBT law violates civil rights.

-- In the Philippines, the presidential election comes down to “a government with heart” versus the rule of the fist.

-- A study says a plane’s first-class section fuels “air rage” among passengers flying coach.

HOLLYWOOD AND THE ARTS

-- From nanny to international art star: Ramiro Gomez on how his paintings reveal the labor that makes California cool possible.

-- Movie review: “Captain America: Civil War” may split the audience between true believers and puzzled newbies.

-- Rihanna remains an enigma onstage in her tour stop at the Forum.

-- Natalie Morales of “The Today Show” is moving to L.A. to join “Access Hollywood.”

-- Video: Jeremy Piven talks about his show “Mr. Selfridge,” based on the life of a department store magnate.

-- Hulu officially confirms it is developing a cable-like digital bundle, set to reach 12 million subscribers.

BUSINESS

-- Takata agrees to recall another 35 million to 40 million air bag inflators.

-- Tribune Publishing rejects Gannett’s $815-million offer to buy the company.

SPORTS

-- Trojan Nation, a long-shot, is looking to make a name for himself in the Kentucky Derby.

-- It’s another strong showing for Dodgers minor league pitcher Julio Urías.

OPINION

-- George Skelton: How did Trump become the presumptive nominee? Blame broadcast and social media.

-- We can’t slow L.A.’s growing homeless crisis unless we know why it’s happening.

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING

-- A massive wildfire in Alberta, Canada, forces a city of about 80,000 to flee. (Edmonton Journal)

-- An interactive graphic shows how the supervolcano underneath Yellowstone works. (National Geographic)

-- Patton Oswalt remembers his wife, Michelle McNamara, who died last month. (Time)

ONLY IN CALIFORNIA

Thanks for the memories. Bob Hope Airport is being rebranded as Hollywood Burbank Airport in the hope that more people outside Southern California will know where it is. But there was a battle over whether to include “Hollywood” or “Los Angeles” in the new name. One official said, “Los Angeles does not belong in Burbank.” Shhh: Don’t tell the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Please send comments and ideas to Davan Maharaj.