On Monday, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Wyeth v. Levine, the case that will decide whether FDA approval shields drug manufacturers from liability claims under state laws. (Read more about this idea of preemption here.) Bloggers have a lot to say about the case and this concept of preemption:

• Niko Karvounis at Health Beat takes an in-depth look at preemption (including an explanation of how this case differs from the Medtronic preemption case decided in February), and explains why relying on today’s FDA is problematic.
• Ed Silverman at Pharmalot highlights a report from the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform that found key FDA career officials strongly objected to Bush Administration drug labeling regulations that would preempt state liability lawsuits.
• Sarah Rubenstein at WSJ’s Health Blog provides Wyeth’s take on the case.

Also, ahead of Tuesday’s election, Sara Barz at Gristmill provides a guide to environmental ballot measures from several states, while Cristina Page at RH Reality Check highlights six Congressional races where birth control is a campaign issue. (Yes, birth control is apparently somehow still controversial in the U.S. in the 21st century).

Elsewhere:

Ed Yong at Not Exactly Rocket Science explains a new study that sheds light on exactly how the common pesticide atrazine harms frogs.

Kathy at The Edge of the American West tells the story of insulin’s discovery and the personalities behind the drug that saves so many lives.

John Astad at OSHA Underground reports that dust explosions in grain facilities are alarmingly high, despite an OSHA grain facility standard.

Aaron Naparstek at Streetsblog interviews the Rockefeller Foundation’s Nick Turner about why the foundation is focusing on transportation and what kind of approach it supports.

Christine Gorman at Global Health Report looks at an unusual standoff between Niger’s health minister and Medicins Sans Frontieres about the extent of malnutrition problems in the country’s Maradi region.

Becca Krukowski at Rudd Sound Bites highlights new NYC subway ads designed to educate riders about recommended daily calorie consumption and the caloric content of common foods.

Just in time for Halloween, Benjamin Cohen at The World’s Fair announces the results of the third phase of a rigorous study: The Candy Hierarchy.