December 17, 2008 5:08 pm State Budget Battle Halts Projects A state panel that lends money for infrastructure projects throughout the state votes to halt nearly $4 billion in loans. US & World Videos 5:57 San Francisco trying to ban cancer-causing chemicals in firefighter gear, but are alternatives safe? 1:53 5 sports icons inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame 3:16 San Francisco mom highlights student safety on Muni after alleged anti-Asian attack 0:24 Murder suspect arrested following neighborhood lockdown in Antioch 2:50 Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations underway