The Cincinnati City Council convened on May 21, 2025, to address various community issues and recognize significant contributions to the city. The meeting began with public comments, where Derek Blassingame, a speaker on Zoom, expressed his views on the public school system and addressed rumors about his requests for support from the community. His comments included a concerning reference to Timothy McVeigh, prompting a referral to the Cincinnati Police Department for further evaluation.

Following public comments, Council Member Johnson condemned the potential starvation of children in Gaza and Africa, urging the city and nation to reflect on their roles in this crisis. The council then moved to the business portion of the meeting, starting with a roll call of members present.

The first agenda item was a resolution recognizing Daryl Haley for his transformative leadership in public transportation. Council Member Owens highlighted Haley's contributions, including his efforts to enhance service delivery and ridership during challenging times. The council unanimously passed the resolution, expressing gratitude for Haley's service as he prepares for retirement.

Next, Council Member Nolan introduced a resolution honoring the Espinosa, Leon, and Jaime families as part of Small Business Month. The families, known for their restaurant chain Mi Cozumel, were recognized for their contributions to the local economy and community.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue supporting local businesses and addressing community needs, reflecting the council's ongoing dedication to the residents of Cincinnati.