# 8-30-2023 - Trump’s Trial Date Set, Medicare Negotiations, Blessing Lahaina Survivors

An episode of [Pray News](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1697158801), 30 Aug 2023, 16 min.

Audio: https://podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/ce9a673d-e313-4c0a-9df4-b4d6010c32c6/79cb8c56-c098-4497-970e-b4d700191202/audio.mp3?utm_source=Podcast&in_playlist=992944cf-642c-431f-a11e-b4d6010c32cd

This is PrayNews, your beacon of hope in the stormy seas of current events. Sign up to receive PrayNews in your inbox every weekday: https://www.praynews.com/ Today’s Good News at a Glance: • A Federal judge has set Trump’s trial date for March 4, 2024. • The Biden administration negotiates pricing on medication under Medicare. • Greg Laurie's church actively seeks opportunities to bring blessings to the survivors of Lahaina. Download the Pray.com app and make prayer a priority in your life. Watch and listen to inspiring sermons, dramatized Bible stories, and relaxing Bedtime Bible Stories at Pray.com, the digital destination for faith. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

## Transcript

[0:00] Speaker 1: Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly
[0:05] Speaker 1: above all that we ask or think, according to the
[0:09] Speaker 1: power that worketh in us. Ephesians 3.20 Dear Lord Jesus,
[0:16] Speaker 1: I stand in awe of the transformative work you have
[0:19] Speaker 1: accomplished in my life. Sometimes I cannot fully grasp the
[0:24] Speaker 1: magnitude of your blessings and the profound ways you have
[0:27] Speaker 1: changed me. Increase my faith in your ability to continue
[0:32] Speaker 1: working wonders in my life as I entrust more of
[0:35] Speaker 1: myself to you. I want to believe that your plans
[0:39] Speaker 1: for me exceed my wildest imagination. I am eternally grateful
[0:44] Speaker 1: for your redeeming grace and your ceaseless work within me.
[0:48] Speaker 1: I love you, Lord. In your precious name I pray. Amen.
[0:53] Speaker 1: Welcome to Pray News, where hope is our only bias.
[0:58] Speaker 1: Here's today's news at a glance. A federal judge has
[1:02] Speaker 1: set Trump's trial date for March 4, 2024. The Biden
[1:06] Speaker 1: administration negotiates pricing on medication under Medicare. And Greg Laurie's
[1:13] Speaker 1: church actively seeks opportunities to bring blessings to the survivors
[1:17] Speaker 1: of Lahaina. We know there can be a lot of
[1:21] Speaker 1: sad and distressing news out there. We can't ignore the bad,
[1:25] Speaker 1: but we can always look for the good. We pray
[1:28] Speaker 1: earnestly that even the saddest of stories offer a hopeful
[1:31] Speaker 1: and reflective message. We can't always keep bad things from happening,
[1:35] Speaker 1: but we can choose how we respond. As for us,
[1:39] Speaker 1: we choose to learn and love. Will we always do
[1:42] Speaker 1: a perfect job? Of course not, but we will always
[1:45] Speaker 1: strive to be more like Jesus. We're glad you're here.
[1:50] Speaker 1: If Pray News has blessed you, please share it with
[1:53] Speaker 1: a friend. We want everyone to experience the hope of
[1:56] Speaker 1: the gospel and be informed and transformed. Before we get
[2:00] Speaker 1: into our first story, let's hear from our sponsors. Today's
[2:04] Speaker 1: first story. The federal judge sets Trump's trial date in
[2:08] Speaker 1: the election interference case. In a momentous development, U.S. District
[2:14] Speaker 1: Judge Tanya Chutkin has set a trial date of March 4th,
[2:18] Speaker 1: 2024 for former President Donald Trump's election interference case. This
[2:24] Speaker 1: announcement holds significant implications, not just legally, but also politically,
[2:30] Speaker 1: as it positions the trial during the Republican presidential primaries
[2:34] Speaker 1: and the day before Super Tuesday. As we reflect on
[2:38] Speaker 1: this unfolding situation, it's crucial to consider the importance of
[2:42] Speaker 1: accountability for our nation's leaders while seeking a balanced perspective.
[2:47] Speaker 1: The decision to hold the trial during a pivotal moment
[2:51] Speaker 1: in the political calendar has led to intense discussions between
[2:55] Speaker 1: Trump's legal team and the federal prosecutors. Special Counsel Jack
[3:00] Speaker 1: Smith initially proposed a January trial start, while Trump's team
[3:05] Speaker 1: advocated for a delay until April 2026 after the upcoming
[3:10] Speaker 1: presidential election. Judge Chutkin, in her remarks, highlighted the significant
[3:16] Speaker 1: divide between the two proposals, stating that neither was acceptable.
[3:21] Speaker 1: Judge Chutkin underscored the need for Trump to prioritize the trial,
[3:26] Speaker 1: even if it might conflict with other professional obligations. She
[3:29] Speaker 1: emphasized the public's vested interest in the fair and timely
[3:33] Speaker 1: administration of justice transcending individual circumstances. This trial date sets
[3:39] Speaker 1: the stage for accountability to be upheld on an open
[3:43] Speaker 1: and transparent platform. The notion of accountability is deeply intertwined
[3:48] Speaker 1: with principles of justice and integrity. As Christians, we are
[3:53] Speaker 1: reminded in Galatians 6-7, Do not be deceived. God is
[3:58] Speaker 1: not mocked. For whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
[4:03] Speaker 1: This biblical perspective reminds us that our actions have consequences.
[4:08] Speaker 1: and leaders are not exempt from the consequences of their choices. However,
[4:13] Speaker 1: it's essential to maintain a balanced perspective, considering the rights
[4:17] Speaker 1: and legal processes that protect everyone, including leaders. Trump's lawyer,
[4:22] Speaker 1: John Lauro, rightly stated, Mr. Trump is not above the law,
[4:26] Speaker 1: but he is not below the law. This recognition emphasizes
[4:30] Speaker 1: the foundational principle that accountability must apply equally to everyone,
[4:35] Speaker 1: regardless of their position or status. Just as leaders are
[4:38] Speaker 1: called to be accountable for their actions, they are also
[4:41] Speaker 1: entitled to fair legal process that upholds their rights. The
[4:47] Speaker 1: Bible's teachings underscore the importance of justice and accountability in society.
[4:53] Speaker 1: Proverbs 21.15 emphasizes, When justice is done, it brings joy
[4:58] Speaker 1: to the righteous, but terror to the evildoers. As we
[5:02] Speaker 1: observe the legal proceedings surrounding Trump's case, we must remember
[5:06] Speaker 1: that accountability is an expression of justice. It serves to
[5:10] Speaker 1: protect the integrity of our institutions and the well-being of
[5:14] Speaker 1: our nation. Yet, accountability should not be motivated by vindictiveness
[5:19] Speaker 1: or personal agendas. Rather, it should be pursued to uphold
[5:23] Speaker 1: the principles of truth, fairness, and righteousness. This pursuit aligns
[5:28] Speaker 1: with Micah 6.8, which exhorts us to act justly and
[5:33] Speaker 1: to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
[5:38] Speaker 1: Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts
[5:43] Speaker 1: seeking wisdom and understanding as we reflect on the trial
[5:47] Speaker 1: date set for former President Trump's case. We pray for
[5:51] Speaker 1: justice to be served, for the truth to prevail, and
[5:55] Speaker 1: for fair legal process that respects the rights of all
[5:58] Speaker 1: parties involved. Help us navigate the complexities of accountability and
[6:03] Speaker 1: leadership with grace and integrity, always considering the principles of
[6:08] Speaker 1: justice and righteousness. May our nation's leaders, legal system, and
[6:12] Speaker 1: citizens seek wisdom and discernment in this pivotal time. In Jesus'
[6:17] Speaker 1: name we pray. Amen. Our next story is about Medicare
[6:22] Speaker 1: drug price negotiations. The Biden administration's recent unveiling of the
[6:27] Speaker 1: first 10 drugs subject to Medicare price negotiations marks a
[6:32] Speaker 1: significant step towards addressing the rising costs of prescription medications
[6:36] Speaker 1: in the United States. While the initiative is aimed at
[6:40] Speaker 1: promoting affordability and accessibility, it has sparked both applause and controversy,
[6:46] Speaker 1: highlighting the complex nature of health care policy and our
[6:50] Speaker 1: nation's leaders' responsibility to ensure all citizens' well-being. The drugs
[6:55] Speaker 1: selected for negotiation encompass treatments for a range of conditions,
[7:00] Speaker 1: including heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. These
[7:06] Speaker 1: medications are significant in terms of both medical need and
[7:10] Speaker 1: financial impact. Approximately 9 million Medicare enrollees utilize these drugs,
[7:16] Speaker 1: incurring a total of $ 3. 4 billion in out-of-pocket expenses last year.
[7:23] Speaker 1: The negotiated prices set to take effect in 2026 are
[7:27] Speaker 1: expected to alleviate the financial burden on many individuals, particularly
[7:32] Speaker 1: those without additional financial assistance who paid on average of
[7:36] Speaker 1: up to $ 6, 500. The program is projected to save Medicare
[7:41] Speaker 1: an estimated $ 98. 5 billion over a decade, a notable relief
[7:47] Speaker 1: for a system grappling with the escalating costs of health care.
[7:50] Speaker 1: This initiative aligns with the biblical principle of stewardship, emphasizing
[7:55] Speaker 1: the responsible use of resources and the protection of vulnerable
[7:59] Speaker 1: members of society. However, the program has faced staunch opposition
[8:04] Speaker 1: from the pharmaceutical industry, which has initiated legal challenges. The
[8:09] Speaker 1: industry has filed multiple lawsuits asserting that the program is
[8:13] Speaker 1: unconstitutional and coercive. These challenges bring to light ethical considerations
[8:19] Speaker 1: about balancing government intervention and private sector innovation. From a
[8:24] Speaker 1: Christian perspective, the value of every individual's well-being, especially those
[8:29] Speaker 1: marginalized or economically disadvantaged, is a central tenet. Jesus taught
[8:35] Speaker 1: that caring for the sick and vulnerable is an expression
[8:38] Speaker 1: of love and compassion. In this context, The program's intention
[8:45] Speaker 1: to make medications more affordable aligns with the teachings of Christ.
[8:50] Speaker 1: It is also essential to recognize the role of innovation
[8:53] Speaker 1: in advancing medical breakthroughs that improve human health and alleviate suffering.
[8:59] Speaker 1: Striking a balance between affordable access to medications and incentivizing
[9:03] Speaker 1: innovation requires wisdom and discernment. Accountability is a cornerstone of
[9:09] Speaker 1: effective leadership. especially one implementing policies that affect the well-being
[9:14] Speaker 1: of millions. While challenged in court, the government's ability to
[9:19] Speaker 1: negotiate drug prices underscores the importance of leaders being held
[9:23] Speaker 1: accountable for their decisions and actions. The Bible calls for
[9:27] Speaker 1: leaders to be just, fair, and considerate of the needs
[9:30] Speaker 1: of all members of society. Romans 13.1 reminds us to
[9:34] Speaker 1: be subject to governing authorities and implies that those in
[9:38] Speaker 1: leadership positions should wield their power for the betterment of
[9:42] Speaker 1: the people they serve. In light of this, the program's
[9:46] Speaker 1: intentions to address medication affordability reflect a commitment to stewardship, justice,
[9:51] Speaker 1: and compassion. However, ensuring that the program does not stifle
[9:56] Speaker 1: innovation and that the negotiated prices genuinely benefit patients requires
[10:01] Speaker 1: ongoing oversight and vigilance. The Christian perspective teaches us that
[10:07] Speaker 1: our decisions should be guided by love, justice, and a
[10:10] Speaker 1: genuine concern for the welfare of all, especially the most
[10:13] Speaker 1: vulnerable among us. As the nation navigates these uncharted waters,
[10:18] Speaker 1: our leaders and citizens may be guided by these principles
[10:21] Speaker 1: to pursue a healthier, more equitable future. Dear Lord, we
[10:27] Speaker 1: lift up the leaders and citizens involved in addressing the
[10:30] Speaker 1: complex issue of healthcare affordability and accessibility. May their decisions
[10:36] Speaker 1: be guided by wisdom, compassion, and a genuine concern for
[10:40] Speaker 1: the well-being of all, especially the vulnerable. Grant them the
[10:44] Speaker 1: ability to strike a balance between affordability and innovation, and
[10:49] Speaker 1: may accountability and transparency shape their actions. In this pursuit,
[10:54] Speaker 1: may your love and justice prevail, bringing healing and hope
[10:58] Speaker 1: to those in need. In Jesus' name, amen. Our final
[11:03] Speaker 1: story shares about how Operation Blessing is extending a helping
[11:07] Speaker 1: hand to Maui's fire survivors. In the wake of the
[11:12] Speaker 1: devastating wildfire that tore through Maui, leaving destruction and despair
[11:16] Speaker 1: in its wake, Operation Blessing and Harvest Kumulani have emerged
[11:21] Speaker 1: as beacons of hope and support for survivors. As the
[11:25] Speaker 1: death toll rises to 115, with hundreds more still uncounted for,
[11:31] Speaker 1: the true spirit of Christian compassion and unity shines through,
[11:35] Speaker 1: bringing aid and solace to those affected. CBN News embarked
[11:40] Speaker 1: on a journey to Lahaina to witness firsthand the incredible
[11:44] Speaker 1: effects being made by Christians to assist survivors in their
[11:47] Speaker 1: path to recovery. The charred remnants and the lingering scent
[11:52] Speaker 1: of smoke serve as somber reminders of the tragedy that unfolded. Yet,
[11:58] Speaker 1: amidst the ruins, stories of resilience, kindness, and faith are emerging,
[12:03] Speaker 1: showing the remarkable power of love in times of crisis.
[12:07] Speaker 1: One survivor, Iha Avedo shared his harrowing experience of escaping
[12:12] Speaker 1: the fire. He recounted the moment he opened his door,
[12:16] Speaker 1: only to be met with a wall of black smoke.
[12:19] Speaker 1: Iha and his two teenage sons lost everything in the blaze,
[12:23] Speaker 1: including their precious possessions such as their fishing gear. Fishing
[12:28] Speaker 1: wasn't just a hobby for Iha. It was a way
[12:30] Speaker 1: of life he had passed on to his sons. Amid
[12:34] Speaker 1: his loss, Operation Blessing reached out with new fishing equipment.
[12:38] Speaker 1: fishing poles, spears, fins, and masks. This gesture provided practical
[12:44] Speaker 1: assistance and restored a sense of normalcy and hope to
[12:47] Speaker 1: Iha's life. It gives us a sense of normalcy again,
[12:51] Speaker 1: he expressed, highlighting the profound impact of compassionate outreach. Harvest
[12:57] Speaker 1: Christian Fellowship Pastor Greg Laurie, during his visit to Harvest
[13:01] Speaker 1: Kumulani on Maui, reflected on the significance of the church's
[13:05] Speaker 1: role in times of crisis. Pastor Greg emphasized the church's
[13:10] Speaker 1: responsibility to be present for the community during such challenging moments.
[13:15] Speaker 1: He conveyed his belief in the resilience of people of
[13:17] Speaker 1: Maui and the importance of nurturing hope in adversity. The
[13:22] Speaker 1: church is here for such a time as this, he stated,
[13:25] Speaker 1: noting that hope often flourishes during challenges. He spoke of
[13:29] Speaker 1: the collective effort of believers and the church's outreach to
[13:32] Speaker 1: help bring hope to the people of Maui. Christian Unity
[13:37] Speaker 1: has taken on many forms, such as the compassionate outreach
[13:40] Speaker 1: of Kumilani Chapel members David and Christiane Mello. As owners
[13:46] Speaker 1: of Round Table Pizza and Lahaina, the Mellos have offered
[13:49] Speaker 1: free pizza and prayers to those impacted by the fire.
[13:53] Speaker 1: Their kindness, coupled with heartfelt prayers, is a testament to
[13:57] Speaker 1: the profound impact that individuals can have on their community.
[14:01] Speaker 1: David Mello expressed their intention to bless everyone who visits
[14:05] Speaker 1: their establishment, leaving a positive imprint on their hearts. As
[14:10] Speaker 1: we witness the incredible efforts being made to uplift and
[14:14] Speaker 1: restore the lives of those affected by the devastating fire,
[14:17] Speaker 1: let us draw inspiration from their example. Let us remember
[14:22] Speaker 1: the importance of accountability, compassion, and faith in times of crisis. Ultimately,
[14:28] Speaker 1: through collective action, Christians can bring healing and hope to
[14:31] Speaker 1: the darkest circumstances, reflecting Christ's teaching and love to a
[14:36] Speaker 1: hurting world. Dear God, we lift up the survivors of
[14:40] Speaker 1: the devastating wildfire in Maui. We thank you for the
[14:44] Speaker 1: compassion and unity shown by organizations like Operation Blessing, Harvest Kumilani,
[14:50] Speaker 1: and individuals like The Mellows. May their efforts bring comfort, healing,
[14:55] Speaker 1: and hope to those affected by the tragedy. We pray
[14:58] Speaker 1: for strength and resilience for the survivors as they navigate
[15:02] Speaker 1: the challenges ahead. Let their stories inspire us to extend
[15:06] Speaker 1: compassion and love to those in need, reflecting your light
[15:10] Speaker 1: in times of darkness. In Jesus' name, amen. Thank you
[15:15] Speaker 1: for joining us today on Pray News. It is our
[15:18] Speaker 1: aim to be informed and transformed. We pray today that
[15:22] Speaker 1: you would proceed with hope, love, and determination to be
[15:25] Speaker 1: a force for good. If you've enjoyed this take on
[15:28] Speaker 1: the news, write us a review and share your experience.
[15:32] Speaker 1: We'd love to hear how this news has impacted you.
[15:35] Speaker 1: You can sign up for our newsletter at PrayNews.com. There
[15:38] Speaker 1: you will find sources for all of our reporting. And
[15:42] Speaker 1: be sure to download the Pray.com app to make prayer
[15:45] Speaker 1: a priority in your life and experience the Bible come
[15:47] Speaker 1: to life.

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