ONE MONTH REPRIEVE FOR EDWARDS

Former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards will not face trial for insurance fraud charges until Sept. 18. The trial, originally scheduled to begin Aug. 21, was postponed due to schedule conflicts with the federal judge assigned to the case, U.S. District Judge Edith Brown Clement. Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Brown and David Disiere, along with Edwards and attorney Ronald Weems, have pleaded innocent to insurance fraud charges. Prosecutors allege that the group set up a sweetheart liquidation deal for Disiere’s Cascade Insurance Co., which became insolvent during Edward’s term as governor. Edwards was convicted in early May of fixing bids for casino licenses. He awaits sentencing in that matter.