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

2024 presidential debate

News | Frank Corder •

October 22, 2026

Colom campaign event with Harris moved to Columbus High School after MUW declines to host it

News | Alex Veiga, Associated Press •

October 22, 2026

Average long-term US mortgage rate eases to 7.32% in first pullback since late August

News | Frank Corder •

October 22, 2026

MSGOP claims Colom’s AI generated video violates Mississippi law

Business

Business | Meredith Biesinger •

October 22, 2026

New Albany’s claim to cake fame: Sugaree’s Bakery

Business | Frank Corder •

October 20, 2026

Fairbanks Morse Defense doubling manufacturing capacity at its Pascagoula facility

Business | Cass Rutledge •

October 20, 2026

Lumber manufacturer investing $8.3 million in Macon expansion

Culture

Culture | Alistair Begg •

October 22, 2026

Viewing ourselves rightly

Culture | Marilyn Tinnin •

October 21, 2026

The art of the Partlow Boot

Culture | Alistair Begg •

October 21, 2026

Renewed minds

Opinion

Opinion | Sid Salter •

October 21, 2026

Social Security and Medicare: The promise America made and the bills we postponed

Opinion | Ellery Jones •

October 19, 2026

Forest products industry contributes heavily to Mississippi, U.S. economy

Opinion | Sid Salter •

October 14, 2026

Capital punishment logistical failures a self-fulfilling strategy of death penalty opponents?