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 | Kevin Freking, Associated Press •

November 10, 2026

Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio elected to lead House Republicans in the minority

News | Jeremy Pittari •

November 10, 2026

Budd Van Lines denied intrastate commerce certification by Mississippi Transportation Commission

News | Frank Corder •

November 10, 2026

Butler to sit for nomination hearing in Senate Judiciary

Business

Business | Cass Rutledge •

November 10, 2026

Universal Services expanding operations in Leakesville

Business | Frank Corder •

November 10, 2026

Ingalls, SUPSHIP break ground on new $50 million facility in Pascagoula

Business | Cass Rutledge •

November 9, 2026

Jabil is hiring more than 300 in Byhalia

Culture

Culture | Meredith Biesinger •

November 10, 2026

Margaret’s Grocery: The castle that love built

Culture | Alistair Begg •

November 10, 2026

On our behalf

Culture | Eddie Pells, Associated Press •

November 9, 2026

College Football Playoff doubles up, expands to 24 teams beginning next season

Opinion

Opinion | Dr. Tom Miller, Jr. •

November 10, 2026

Access to banking is a national problem so it needs a national solution

Opinion | Kelley Williams •

November 10, 2026

Who holds the leash?

Opinion | Leah Long •

November 9, 2026

Shop small this holiday season and give back to your community