Here is a look at what happened yesterday on the Sunlight network.

• Paul Blumenthal began the day with several transparency related headlines including how the public was cut out of budget negotiations, news that lobbyists win provisions in the budget battle, and more. (Sunlight Foundation Blog)
• Paul Blumenthal reported that the Electronic Payments Coalition is opposing a new rule proposed by the Federal Reserve as part of the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill that would cap debit “interchange” fees at 12 cents per transaction, noting that the coalition had already contributed over $500,000 in PAC money to lawmakers, including backers of a bill to delay the rules. (Sunlight Foundation Blog)
• Josh Hatch announced the Sunlight Live coverage of the deficit reduction hearing and speech by the President. (Sunlight Reporting Group)
• Keenan Steiner looked at how the AT&T lobbyists are pushing for a merger yet also steering campaign money. (Party Time Blog)
• Take a look at the previous day’s transparency-related news items, congressional committee hearings, transparency-related bills introduced in Congress, and transparency related events. (Sunlight Foundation Blog)