Illuminating the News for the Students by the Students

Lamplighter Media Productions
The tentative 2026-2027 calendar on the new fixed schedule.
Next Year’s Schedule is Locked-In
Nicole Salonek Schladt, a Dunbar alum, was assaulted by ICE in Minneapolis. Her children witnessed the event.
The ICE Storm: Community, Conflict, and What Comes Next
The Future of NTI in Jeopardy
The Future of NTI in Jeopardy
SNAP Benefits At Risk Amid Shutdown
SNAP Benefits At Risk Amid Shutdown
Kentucky Steps Up as Government Shutdown Puts SNAP Benefits at Risk
Kentucky Steps Up as Government Shutdown Puts SNAP Benefits at Risk
STEM Stars create unique art projects out of various different materials.
STEMStars
Food and the Algorithm
Food and the Algorithm
The Superintendent's Student Advisory Council.
One Council to Another
Mariama Lockington speaks to a student during her book signing.
Mariama Lockington Visits Dunbar to Discuss New Novel
State officials posted to help during the storm in result of dangerous road conditions.
Winter Break: Part 2
The A.I. Email
The A.I. Email
Aisle of Kroger stocked with a variety of menstrual products.
The Tampon Tax
A photo of the front view of the Kentucky State Capitol Building.
Whose Voices Count? The SB 26 Debate Over Inclusion in Kentucky Schools
President Donald Trump is greeted the chamber prior to his State of the Union address.
The 108 Minute Manifesto: Trump’s “Golden Age” Gamble
We Want a Voice
We Want a Voice
When K-Pop Demon Hunters Took Over the World
When K-Pop Demon Hunters Took Over the World
The American celebration of Halloween has evolved into a holiday revolving around candy, but it wasn't always that way.
What is Halloween?
Blown Away
Blown Away
Titans and Love
Titans and Love
A great movie to fall asleep to.
Shazam More Like Snooze-Fest
Illuminating the News for the Students by the Students

Lamplighter Media Productions
Illuminating the News for the Students by the Students

Lamplighter Media Productions

Ahaan Thomas, Co-Editor-in-Chief

I’m Ahaan, and I’m one of the Editor-in-Chiefs for Lamplighter this year. This is my second year on Lamplighter. As a staff reporter, I like to write about current events, from local Dunbar and community news to state and national developments. Outside of journalism, I serve as class president, play soccer, and participate in Congressional Debate.

All content by Ahaan Thomas
We Want a Voice

We Want a Voice

Ahaan Thomas, Co-Editor-in-Chief • March 4, 2026

Recent legislation has already brought significant changes to Kentucky public schools. Senate Bill 19 instituted a mandatory moment of silence, and Senate Bill 150 implemented restrictions on teacher-student...

State officials posted to help during the storm in result of dangerous road conditions.

Winter Break: Part 2

Maitri Patel and Ahaan Thomas • February 17, 2026

When Winter Storm Fern arrived, Kentuckians had already been warned. Snow and ice in amounts we hadn’t seen for years were forecasted, and Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency before the...

Dunbar Anti-ICE Walkout

Dunbar Anti-ICE Walkout

Ahaan Thomas, Editor-in-Chief • February 13, 2026

At 2 p.m. Feb 10, at Dunbar, students walked out of school to protest against recent actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. Under the Trump Administration, ICE has carried out aggressive...

FCPS District Science Fair

FCPS District Science Fair

Ahaan Thomas • February 10, 2026

The district science fair was a showcase of the academic achievements of students. Several MSTC students were there to judge and support entrants.

The Future of NTI in Jeopardy

The Future of NTI in Jeopardy

Ahaan Thomas, Co-Editor-in-Chief • November 21, 2025

After a school year that consisted of 7 Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) days, district officials are rethinking whether this system is the best option for students, families, and faculty. On Nov....

SNAP Benefits At Risk Amid Shutdown

SNAP Benefits At Risk Amid Shutdown

Ahaan Thomas, Co-Editor-in-Chief • November 11, 2025

Nearly 1 in 8 Americans rely on food stamps, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data. These benefits are provided through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is...

Young Republican Group Chat Exposé

Young Republican Group Chat Exposé

Ahaan Thomas, Co-Editor-in-Chief • October 24, 2025

“Great. I love Hitler,” said Peter Giunta, the chair of the New York State Young Republicans. “Sex? It was rape,” said one participant. “Epic,” replied Bobby Walker, the vice chair of the...

Students in Mr. Peter Knapp's math class take part in the moment of silence at the beginning of the school day.

Moment of Silence

Ahaan Thomas, Co-Editor-in-Chief • September 3, 2025

Every day at PLD begins with a video from WPLD, our source for "all things Dunbar." We hear about important updates, potential opportunities, upcoming games, and club meetings. But this year, that video...

President Trump uses the executive order to bypass Congress

School Choice: The Future?

Ahaan Thomas, Staff Reporter • May 15, 2025

President Donald Trump has experienced an eventful few weeks in office. During his campaign, he made promises on a wide range of topics, from immigration to tariffs to government spending. So far, he has...

PLD's building, located at 1600 Man o' War Blvd, was built in 1990.

Dunbar’s Renovation Renaissance

Ahaan Thomas, Staff Reporter • May 1, 2025

Since its construction in 1989, Paul Laurence Dunbar has yet to see any significant renovations. Now, our community can finally look forward to long-overdue upgrades. Fayette County Board of Education's...

The Department of Education

Education in the Crosshairs

Ahaan Thomas, Staff Reporter • December 5, 2024

As the dust settles from another heated election, the results indicate voters were motivated by economic concerns and dissatisfaction with the current administration. With critical issues on the line,...

Daylight Savings Time does more bad than good. It's time for it to go.

Daylight Saving — Time for Change?

Ahaan Thomas, Staff Reporter • November 14, 2024

On Nov. 3 we gained an extra hour of sleep when Daylight Saving Time (DST) ended and our clocks fell back to standard time. DST aims to provide more daylight in the evenings of warmer months. Unfortunately,...

Analysis suggests an increase of as much as 10% in youth voter turnout – with particularly high engagement in 11 key battleground states. That may have been game-changing for Joe Biden, who had the support of 61% of people aged 18-29.

Celebrities in Politics

Ahaan Thomas, Staff Reporter • October 17, 2024

Taylor Swift recently posted on Instagram to her 283 million followers. The caption read: “I’ve done my research, and I’ve made my choice.” The self-described “Childless Cat Lady” was announcing...

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