Redstone torch not powering redstone lamp; other redstone mechanics with torches not working

I was building and wanted to have my redstone lamp "streetlights" powered at all times, unlike with daylight sensors. I was also trying a different portcullis gate since the sand/gravel problem. Redstone torches will not power lamps, and when redstone repeaters are powering a solid block a torch is sitting on, the torch doesn't stay on, which fusses up that portcullis gate as well. I included these both in the same bug report because they're both an issue with redstone torches.