Credit steve carmody / Michigan Radio It will be another week before a federal judge expects to decide whether to give preliminary approval to a massive settlement of Flint water crisis related lawsuits. During a brief hearing Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge Judith Levy said she may need until January 21 to complete her written ruling. She had originally hoped to have her decision ready by the end of this week. It’s an important step in the $641 million settlement between the state of Michigan, the city of Flint and others being sued by Flint residents over health and property damages sustained during the water crisis.