Judges: Keep working on district maps

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — A three-judge federal panel wants the Texas primaries to remain in April and is ordering voting map negotiations between the state and minority rights groups to continue.

U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia signed the order Friday. He said the court wants redistricting plans in place for an April primary but didn't mention a specific date.

The primaries are currently set for April 3. But that date will likely be pushed back after many minority rights groups splintered with others who accepted a deal with the Texas attorney general's office.

The groups are suing the state over redistricting maps passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature.

The partial deal may still be in play. Garcia said that contrary to misconceptions, the state hasn't rejected any new map proposals that have come forward.