Five stories that have North Texas talking: Gov. Rick Perry gives a wide-ranging interview on national TV; developers for the controversial White Rock Lake restaurant have suspended their plans; Dallas takes the next step in trying to host the 2016 GOP Convention; and more.

• Dallas officials and Republican Party leaders went out on a date Thursday: The city hoped to strut its stuff as it tries to land the GOP’s 2016 convention. The Dallas Morning News reports that Mayor Mike Rawlings met the GOP team for breakfast at SER Steak and Spirits at the Hilton Anatole. Then there was a security briefing at American Airlines Center, where GOP leaders dined on barbecue from Pecan Lodge. The group ventured to Arlington to see AT&T Stadium, which could host the opening or closing ceremonies. Enid Mickelsen, chairwoman of the site selection committee, told The News that Dallas is a “wonderful city with wonderful facilities” and noted how much Dallas has grown since it hosted the 1984 GOP convention. Dallas is competing with Las Vegas, Denver, Kansas City, Cleveland and Cincinnati. Learn more about Dallas’ bid from KERA News.

• A spokesperson for developers Lyle Burgin and Rick Kopf says they have decided to suspend their efforts to build a restaurant on Boy Scout Hill in Dallas’ White Rock Lake Park. The announcement follows a raucous meeting Tuesday night with 500 vocal opponents, most of whom live near the park.  Many objected to giving up two-and-a half acres of open space and native blackland prairie for a moderately upscale restaurant and 160 parking spots. In a statement, the developers said: “We both firmly believe that the concept would be an excellent amenity for all of the citizens of Dallas, but the present time is not the right time. We thank all of the individuals and groups that have voiced their support.” Read more from KERA News.

• Gov. Rick Perry continued his New York adventure Thursday with an appearance on “CBS This Morning.” He’s in the Empire State to try to lure businesses back to Texas. He talked about why he’s challenging New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to a debate over economic policy, his failed 2012 presidential bid, and the simmering dispute over cattle in Nevada. On “CBS This Morning,” Perry didn’t commit to a 2016 presidential run — but he’s not ruling it out, either. For now, he says, he’s “promoting Texas business.” In Texas, Perry is the focus of a grand jury investigation that could cause quite a bit of difficulty if he does run. A judge has seated a grand jury in Austin to consider whether Perry abused his power when he carried out a threat to veto $7.5 million in state funding for public corruption prosecutors. Catch up on the interview highlights.

• Dave Neumann hasn’t been on the Dallas City Council since 2011, but D Magazine caught him parking his car in downtown with a City Council parking permit that entitles the driver to parking at any city facility. D Magazine even photographed his car and his permit.  The Dallas Morning News takes it from there, saying a city spokesman confirmed that Neumann has now returned the decal. The News was still waiting to get a comment from Neumann.

• The annual Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival in Richardson has a performing songwriter contest – and the top 10 finalists have been announced. They come from all over the country. Each contestant will perform two songs at 11 a.m. May 17 at a stage during the festival. The top three performers win a $500 cash prize. Another finalist will receive a people’s choice award – and $500. Four of the finalists are from Maine. Three are from Texas: Robin Hackett of Frisco; Drew Kennedy of New Braunfels; and Libby Koch of Houston. Read more on KERA’s Art&Seek.