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Coffee Break

Coffee Break: Phones

A group of people using smartphones
A group of people using smartphonesGetty Images

by Anna Weggel

April 16, 2019

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill that states come August, drivers can send messages or place calls while driving only if their device is in hands-free or voice-activated mode.

Punching in a phone number isn't allowed, scrolling through a list of contacts or messages is not allowed, and after August 1 police can stop anyone they see holding a phone while driving.

The Department of Public Safety and law enforcement are launching a public education campaign to make sure Minnesotans have heard about the new law before it goes into effect in August.

So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that mention phones?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive. Or, when you register for a Minnesota Public Radio account, you can send requests via Alexa, too Just say "Alexa, ask The Current to play Song by Artist" e.g. "Alexa, ask The Current to play Left of the Dial by The Replacements."

Songs played

Jim Croce - Operator (clip)
Robyn - Call Your Girlfriend
Electric Light Orchestra - Telephone Line
The Black Angels - Telephone
X - Your Phone's Off The Hook, But You're Not
Last Import - Dial Tone
Arctic Monkeys - Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?
The White Stripes - Hello Operator
The Replacements - Lovelines
Lizzo - Phone