A federal judge on Thursday ordered Boeing to appear in court next week to face family members of those killed in crashes of the 737 MAX who are challenging the aviation giant's prior government settlement. U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor directed the company to have an "appropriate person" at a Jan. 26 hearing in Texas. The case concerns a deferred prosecution agreement in which Boeing paid over $2.5 billion in fines and restitution to settle charges it defrauded regulators.

JUDGE SAYS BOEING MUST FACE FAMILIES OF 'CRIME VICTIMS'

Prosecutors could face long odds convincing a jury that Alec Baldwin is criminally liable for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the western "Rust," legal experts say. The New Mexico D.A. said Thursday that involuntary manslaughter charges will be filed against the actor and armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed in the 2021 shooting. Baldwin claims he was told the gun did not contain live rounds when it was given to him and that he did not pull the trigger. 

LEGAL EXPERTS SAY IT WILL BE HARD TO CONVICT BALDWIN

Embattled congressman George Santos denied claims that he once performed as a drag queen in Brazil, the latest allegation about the freshman member whose falsehoods on his resume have embroiled him in scandal since he won the position. The claims stand in stark contrast to the increasingly conservative views of Santos, who is facing investigations over potential campaign finance violations and fraud.

SEE A PHOTO PURPORTED TO BE SANTOS DRESSED IN DRAG

What president did Alec Baldwin once receive a letter from and why?

Thursday's answer: Jeanne Calment of France (1875–1997) was the longest documented human lifespan at the age of 122 years, 164 days.