January 28

On January 28, 1958, the Lego Group filed for a patent covering its innovative interlocking plastic bricks. The patented design featured hollow tubes inside each brick, ensuring firm clutch power when stacked. This compatibility principle allowed children to combine bricks across different sets with ease. The patent’s approval in 1961 propelled Lego’s global expansion and brand recognition. Over time, Lego’s system of play became a staple of childhood development and creativity. Decades later, the original brick design remains fully compatible with modern sets.

On January 28, 1981, President Ronald Reagan signed an executive order lifting the last of the federal controls on domestic oil prices and allocations. These measures, originally imposed during the 1979 energy crisis, regulated production and kept prices artificially low to conserve fuel. Removal of the restrictions allowed market forces to determine prices and encouraged increased domestic oil production. This policy shift helped bring an end to shortages and gasoline lines that had plagued American motorists. By promoting deregulation, the United States soon experienced an oil glut in the 1980s, leading to lower consumer prices and global market impacts.