Merle Flowers, Author at Magnolia Tribune

Merle Flowers

Merle Flowers is a former Member of the Mississippi State Senate representing the 19th District.

Opinion | Merle Flowers •

September 10, 2026

Mississippi does not have pharmacies to spare

Mississippi can protect independent pharmacies without gambling with pharmacy access. Fix reimbursement. Require prompt payment. Prohibit abusive steering. Demand transparency. Enforce competition. Then let pharmacies compete for business.

Opinion | Merle Flowers •

June 1, 2026

Mississippi businesses deserve relief from credit card swipe fees

Consumers continue to feel the burden as small businesses are forced to raise the prices of their goods and services just to keep pace with rising expenses like swipe fees.

Opinion | Merle Flowers •

December 8, 2025

The Parents Over Platforms Act: A targeted, privacy-respecting alternative to ASAA

The era of the "wild west" internet is ending, but we must choose our next steps carefully, writes Merle Flowers.

Opinion | Merle Flowers •

October 17, 2023

Pulling the Curtains Back on the Socialist Left’s Drug Pricing Agenda

The best way to effectively reduce prescription drug spending, or any costs for that matter, is by encouraging more competition in the market and strengthening free market forces.

Opinion | Merle Flowers •

February 16, 2023

Unchecked FTC Policy Would Hamper Prescription Drug Competition, Increase Costs

Competition is the best way to lower costs in any sector and health care is no different. There has been a lot of debate in recent weeks in both Jackson and Washington over the best course to address the high price of prescription drugs. As policymakers weigh potential solutions, it is critical they avoid misguided…

News

News | Jeremy Pittari •

September 25, 2026

Veterans Affairs cuts backlog, sets record for number of claims processed

News | Ali Swenson, Associated Press •

September 25, 2026

Supreme Court lets Trump administration use revamped federal voter eligibility database for now

News | Cass Rutledge •

September 25, 2026

A&W Custom Furniture expanding in Okolona, adding 20 jobs

Business

Business | Frank Corder •

September 24, 2026

England-based SubSea Craft expanding operations, locating U.S. facility on Mississippi Coast

Business | Cass Rutledge •

September 23, 2026

Raybern Foods expansion in Shannon bringing 70 new jobs to area

Business | Cass Rutledge •

September 18, 2026

Industrial Timber expanding its Ripley operations with $2.6 million investment

Culture

Culture | Susan Marquez •

September 25, 2026

Journey to Colonial Mississippi: An America 250 Celebration

Culture | Alistair Begg •

September 25, 2026

Promised provision

Culture | Alistair Begg •

September 24, 2026

The meaning of the Cross

Opinion

Opinion | Sid Salter •

September 23, 2026

Midterm elections in Mississippi shaping up as a familiar exercise in black-and-white

Opinion | Bill Cork •

September 22, 2026

The states winning investment are the states ready to deliver

Opinion | Lesley Davis •

September 21, 2026

The war on women’s spaces has reached the sorority house