Your MoneyLIVE REPORT

Memory-chip shortage pushes up prices on phones, laptops, cars

A shortage of memory chips is pushing up prices on phones, laptops, appliances and cars, squeezing families already pinching pennies; the Examiner wants Washington to act.

On air: Hank Ledger on BBN Newsroom
Published 10:29 AM ET, Friday, October 16, 2026

▶ As it aired · Your Money

Watch it as it aired: Hank Ledger on this story, from BBN Newsroom at 10:29 AM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are Washington Examiner's, the jokes are ours.

At a glance

First reported by Washington Examiner: “Washington can’t continue to ignore ‘RAMageddon’”.
Covered on BBN on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:29 AM ET on BBN Newsroom, by Hank Ledger.
Topics: Washington.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Washington ExaminerWashington can’t continue to ignore ‘RAMageddon’

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorMemory chips are getting scarce, and the Washington Examiner says that is pushing up prices on phones, laptops, appliances and cars.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSkip Waverly is at an electronics store with a shopper.
Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentI'm standing in the laptop aisle of a big electronics store, and behind me a man has been staring at the same price tag for ten minutes.
Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentI'd say I'm ready for the desk, but I'm only soaked from the sprinklers.
Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentSir, you came in for a laptop. What happened?
Leopold MarshI came in for a laptop and now I'm pricing a used one from two thousand fifteen. My last one cost way less, and apparently the store just discovered that too.
Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentSo the shortage is hitting your wallet and your memory.
Leopold MarshI traded my toaster for two more gigabytes. It still burns the bread.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThank you, Skip. Now, what was it you wanted to ask me?

▶ Watch BBN liveMore Your Money →

More Shorts

All videos →

Photo: Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Scalable Grid Engine · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN
▶ As it aired · Your MoneyThailand rethinks its EV welcome as Chinese cars squeeze local…Read the story
Photo: Gnsin · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN, shared under CC BY-SA 3.0
▶ As it aired · Your MoneyDoes a robot cost $2 or $35 an hour? Market hinges on answerRead the story
▶ This Day in History · Pop CultureThis Day in History: Anchor Claims She Attended 912 ADAbout this segment
Photo: Wikideas1 · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN
▶ As it aired · Your MoneyJ.B. Hunt Turns to Price Increases as Costs RiseRead the story
Photo: Oklahoma Legislative Services Bureau · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN
▶ As it aired · Your MoneyDiesel squeezes an Oklahoma rancher as wholesale costs biteRead the story
▶ Viral Video Breakdown · Weird NewsFathom's Nine Gigs in 12 Hours: Car, Helicopter, PlaneAbout this segment
Photo: Melissa Doroquez from Redmond, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN, shared under CC BY-SA 2.0
▶ As it aired · Your MoneyDoritos and other snacks cost more as PepsiCo tries to recoverRead the story
Photo: Marek Ślusarczyk ( Tupungato ) Photo portfolio · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN
▶ As it aired · Your MoneyEl Sayed's cure for high gas prices would make them worseRead the story
▶ On location · Weird NewsGiants' J.J. McCarthy Drama: Reporter Finds Only a Parking LotAbout this segment
Photo: Peachyeung316 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0
▶ As it aired · Your MoneyCoffee's coming glut may not be enough to calm volatile pricesRead the story