The preventable tragedy at Gabriel House demonstrates the potential suffering posed to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, by the savage cuts to social programs in Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” relied upon by millions.

While an investigation continues into the cause of a Massachusetts assisted living community fire that killed 10 residents and injured 30, calls are growing in that state — and nationally — for federal oversight of the sector.

Assisted living residences are allowed to come up with their own plans for staffing, the state only requires it be reasonable to address the needs of residents. In the case of Gabriel House, the last time the state inspected the facility was in October of 2023.

A funeral home in Fall River is offering free funeral and cremation services to families who lost someone in a deadly fire that tore through an assisted living facility, killing 10.