Mississippi is pouring tens of millions of dollars into artificial intelligence education, promising to modernize classrooms and prepare students for tech-centered careers.

For small towns like Leakesville, keeping water flowing isn’t just about convenience — it’s about survival. Many of the city’s water lines date back to the 1970s, and while officials have worked to replace aging infrastructure, the costs add up quickly.

Poplarville is working to replace its aging water infrastructure, but the upgrades are causing unexpected problems, including frequent water line breaks and boil water notices. Additionally, city officials said rising costs and the strain on old pipes are making the process even harder.