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 | Fatima Hussein, Associated Press •

September 22, 2026

Trump administration to remove 760,000 Affordable Care Act enrollees over fraud claims

News | Frank Corder •

September 22, 2026

Boyanton swipes at Ezell over campaign contributions. Ezell’s camp calls it “a political stunt”

News | Jeremy Pittari •

September 22, 2026

State Auditor seeks details on cyberattacks at UMMC, IHL

Business

Business | Cass Rutledge •

September 18, 2026

Industrial Timber expanding its Ripley operations with $2.6 million investment

Business | Frank Corder •

September 15, 2026

Hitachi Energy brings largest U.S. investment to date to Mississippi

Business | Frank Corder •

September 10, 2026

General Atomics announced second expansion this year, bringing 125 more jobs to Shannon

Culture

Culture | Frank Corder •

September 22, 2026

A Mississippi culinary-themed float will parade through Pasadena in the 2027 Rose Parade

Culture | Meredith Biesinger •

September 22, 2026

The house that stone built: The story of the Purvis Rock House

Culture | Alistair Begg •

September 22, 2026

Countering spiritual laziness

Opinion

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

Opinion | Sid Salter •

September 16, 2026

Despite many statutory protections, there is no clear constitutional right to clean water