BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer If a federal government shutdown does occur, most in Louisiana wouldn’t notice it much, according to some in Washington: Social Security benefits would still be paid, the nation would still be defended, airports would still be open, veterans would continue to get health care and receive benefits checks, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would be able to continue working to slow the saltwater working its way up the Mississippi River toward New Orleans. Not everyone would avoid problems: Louisiana has 18,649 federal employees, a little more than 2% of the total number of workers in the state, according to the Office of Personnel Management. None would be paid until the impasse is resolved. However, on Tuesday, Republican members of the Louisiana delegation were saying an agreement is nigh. A treat for the senses or a culinary abomination: No matter which way you lean, the aroma of pumpkin spice season is upon us. For those who look forward to ringing in the fall with their taste buds, we offer up 23 pumpkin spice items available in Baton Rouge and Lafayette. Enjoy! Downtown Baton Rouge's Main Street Market will undergo a renovation, as the State of Louisiana has allocated $1 million to update the facility at 501 Main St. The work, which will require an expected six- to nine-month closure of the indoor portion of the market, will include a reconfiguration of the indoor stalls, all new flooring, new walls, and new bathrooms, including a family restroom. The outdoor Saturday farmers market will carry on as usual. | 