William Faulkner, the renowned American author, penned the novel "Light in August" in 1932, placing it within the Southern Gothic and modernist literary genres. Set in the interwar period in the American South, the narrative revolves around two strangers: a pregnant white woman and a man passing as white but grappling with his mixed ethnicity. Through a series of flashbacks, their connections to another man who significantly impacted their lives are unveiled. Faulkner's unstructured modernist narrative, influenced by Christian allegory and oral storytelling, delves into themes of race, sex, class, and religion in the American South. The novel's portrayal of marginalized characters against a prejudiced rural society reflects the clash of alienated individuals. While initial reception was mixed, "Light in August" has evolved to be recognized as one of Faulkner's pivotal literary works, and a distinguished English-language novel of the 20th century. The plot unfolds in the 1930s South, amidst Prohibition and Jim Crow laws, following Lena Grove's journey to find the father of her unborn child, and intertwining with the tumultuous life of Joe Christmas. This compelling narrative is a profound exploration of human complexities and societal conflicts in the Southern landscape.

Light beams, also known as directional projections of light energy, are formed when sunlight is filtered through media like clouds, foliage, or windows. To artificially produce a light beam, a lamp and a parabolic reflector are used in devices such as spotlights, car headlights, PAR Cans, and LED housings. The visibility of a light beam from the side is enabled by the scattering of light from objects, known as the Tyndall effect. Light beams are used for various purposes, including in laser lighting displays for visual effects, as searchlights in advertising, and in optical communication and security systems. Additionally, light beams have applications in fields such as infrared data transmission, fibre optics, and laser technology. Light beams play a crucial role in creating atmospheric optical phenomena and are used in various technological applications.

"Light the Beam!" is a chant and rallying call in support of the NBA's Sacramento Kings. Originating during the Kings' 2022–23 season, the phrase gained popularity among fans due to the team's improved performance, particularly attributed to point guard De'Aaron Fox and center Domantas Sabonis. The Kings, historically known for poor performance, found success after the introduction of the beam, earning the nickname "Beam Team." The idea to light a purple beam over the Golden 1 Center arena came about before the 2016–17 season and was inspired by other sports' celebratory lighting displays. The "Laser Space Cannon" beam, credited to Tim Anderson, is powered by 1,800 watts of total power and was approved by the FAA. The Kings' 2022–23 season saw the team experiencing a significant win streak and garnering attention on social media with the hashtag "#BeamTeam". The Kings' improved performance and the introduction of the iconic purple beam have reinvigorated fan enthusiasm and optimism for the team's future.

The city of Bristol in the United Kingdom has a rich history of light rail transport system plans dating back to the 1980s. Former MEP Richard Cottrell promoted plans for a metro system, which were unveiled in 1987 under the title of Advanced Transport for Avon. However, financial difficulties and objections led to the scheme folding. Subsequent proposals, including the Bristol Supertram project and a focus on bus-based transport, faced challenges and were ultimately abandoned. In recent years, underground metro plans have emerged, with mayor Marvin Rees supporting the creation of an underground line connecting various areas of the city. The project is estimated to cost billions and is part of the city's 2050 vision. While the details of the proposed network are still at an early stage, the ambition for a mass transit system reflects the city's determination to address long-standing transport issues and accommodate its growing population.

Light Townsend Cummins is a prominent American educator and historian, renowned for his extensive contributions to the study of Texas, Louisiana, and the Southwestern United States. He served as the Bryan Professor of History at Austin College in Sherman, Texas and was appointed as the official State Historian of Texas from 2009 to 2012 by Governor Rick Perry. With a rich academic background, Cummins holds a PhD in history from Tulane University and has authored or edited ten books, along with numerous articles, focusing on the Spanish Borderlands and the Anglo-American frontier. His exceptional scholarly work has earned him prestigious accolades, including the Premio de España y America from King Juan Carlos I of Spain and the Francisco Bouligny Prize. As a Fulbright Scholar and a member of various historical associations, Cummins has significantly contributed to advancing the understanding and appreciation of Texas history. His notable publications include "To the Vast and Beautiful Land: Anglo Migration into Spanish Louisiana and Texas, 1760s–1820s" and "Emily Austin of Texas, 1795-1851," which received the 2010 Liz Carpenter Award from the Texas State Historical Association.