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The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
Kiran Bond

Kiran Bond

Hi! My name is Kiran Bond and I’m a junior majoring in journalism and minoring in informatics. I started writing for The Daily Illini in the features section back in early 2022, before coming to buzz. I’m very passionate about music and journalism, so buzz editor is an awesome position for me! In my free time, I’m usually doing something musical! I’m in the Women’s Glee Club choir and I play piano and guitar. I’m also probably listening to Fall Out Boy or another pop-punk or post-hardcore band. For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to me at !

The complicated behind the scenes of posthumous music releases

The complicated behind the scenes of posthumous music releases

By Riddhima Patllollu, Kiel Ledin and Kiran Bond • November 29, 2023

Your guide to Dads Weekend 2023 events

By Kiran Bond and Ashleigh Kendrick • November 7, 2023
"Rent" musical performance held at Virginia Theatre by Illinois Theatre from Oct. 26-28.

Review | Illinois Theatre puts on spectacular, emotional performance of ‘Rent’

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • October 31, 2023
Five Nights at Freddy's releases on Oct. 27.

Review | ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ tries to please hardcore fans, fails to please general audiences

By Nicolas Roacho and Kiran Bond • October 29, 2023
Matthew Perry in 2009 tv-series "The Good Wife."

‘Friends’ actor Matthew Perry dies at 54

By Lillie Salas, Nicolas Roacho and Kiran Bond • October 28, 2023
Polyvinyl and American Football House, located at 704 W. High St. in Urbana on May 5.

Polyvinyl Records announces pop-up event at American Football House

By Felicity Abbott and Kiran Bond • October 24, 2023

CU Folk and Roots Festival returns for 15th year of music, festivities

By Rylee Murphy and Kiran Bond • October 11, 2023
Indie Alternative band Ax and Hachetman sitting together. Ax and the Hachetman speak with the DI prior to Pygmalion debut.

Ax and the Hatchetmen discuss band life as students, upcoming Urbana show

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • September 21, 2023
Movie poster of comedy-drama Holes by Andrew Davis released in Apr. 2003.

Column | A look-back on ‘Holes’ 20 years later

By Kiran Bond and Maaike Niekerk • September 15, 2023
Josh Spinner performed at 2 p.m. on Saturday during Champaign's Street Fest.

Champaignʼs Street Fest takes over Campustown

By Kiran Bond and Maaike Niekerk • September 10, 2023
Hozier released his newest album "Unreal Earth" on Aug. 18 and it has topped multiple global charts thus far.

Review | Track-by-track analysis of Hozier’s new album ‘Unreal Unearth’

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • September 5, 2023
(Left to right) Raina Mullen (guitarist), Calvin Langman (lead vocalist and cellist), Luke Davis (drummer) and Graham Orbe (guitarist).

The Happy Fits discuss Lollapalooza performance, band inception, recent tours

By Kiran Bond and Maaike Niekerk • August 7, 2023
The Red Hot Chili Peppers closes for final night of Lollapalooza 2023 on Sunday.

Red Hot Chili Peppers perform explosive closing set at Lollapalooza

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • August 7, 2023
Crowd at the Coinbase gets hyped as they raise their hands and voices prior to The Backseat Lovers set on Sunday night.

Lollapalooza day 4 recap

By Kiran Bond and Maaike Niekerk • August 7, 2023
Claire Rosinkranz during an interview on Sunday.

Claire Rosinkranz talks history of hit ‘Backyard Boy,’ future album

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • August 7, 2023
UPSAHL performs an energetic opening to her set despite the gloomy weather out on Sunday.

UPSAHL discusses new music, biggest hits, Lollapalooza set

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • August 6, 2023
Jeffrey Paradise of Poolside during an interview on Sunday.

Poolside talks discography, Lollapalooza set

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • August 6, 2023
After the rain, a rainbow appeared above the festival, which proved to be a popular photo opportunity for festival goers.

Lollapalooza day 3 recap

By Maaike Niekerk and Kiran Bond • August 6, 2023
The duo ODESZA, made up of Harrison Mills (left) and Clayton Knight (right), perform on the T-Mobile stage at Lollapalooza on Saturday. The show featured heavy use of lights, lasers, fire and smoke.

ODESZA headlines Lollapalooza night 3 with impressive visual set

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • August 5, 2023
Sabrina Carpenter performs on the Coinbase stage on Friday. The set lasted 45 minutes and had the crowd screaming.

Sabrina Carpenter performs poppy set at Lollapalooza

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • August 5, 2023
Benny the Bull dances his way into The Happiness Club's performance at the center of Grant Park by the Buckingham Fountain on Friday afternoon.

Lollapalooza day 2 recap

By Maaike Niekerk and Kiran Bond • August 5, 2023
The 1975 lead singer Matty Healy shares a smile to the audience during the band's set performance on Friday night.

The 1975 delivers entertaining set at Lollapalooza night 2

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • August 5, 2023
(Left to right) Peter Wilton, Christopher Vanderkooy, Neil Smith and Mikey Pascuzzi during an interview on Friday at Lollapalooza.

Peach Pit discusses Lollapalooza set, recent concert in Urbana

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • August 4, 2023
Matt Maltese After his Lollapalooza set on Thursday.

Matt Maltese opens T-Mobile stage at Lollapalooza, chats about hit single

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • August 4, 2023
Finish Ticket at Lollapalooza's press lounge during the first day of the festival on Thursday.

Finish Ticket discusses new music, Lollapalooza performance

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • August 4, 2023
A crowd of festival goers walks down Columbus Drive, the area where a majority of portable restrooms and concessions are located, on Thursday.

Lollapalooza Day 1 recap

By Kiran Bond and Maaike Niekerk • August 4, 2023
Lollapalooza attendees and fans of Billie Eilish hold out there phones to capture Billie Eilish's closing set for Lollapalooza day one on Thursday.

Billie Eilish gives energetic opening night performance at Lollapalooza

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • August 4, 2023
Lead vocalist and guitarist of Men I Trust Emmanuelle Proulx performs at Lollapalooza on Thursday.

Review | Men I Trust gives mellow, enjoyable set

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • August 3, 2023
Severe weather tears Willard Airport roof, causes damage across Champaign County

Severe weather tears Willard Airport roof, causes damage across Champaign County

By Adam Rosen and Kiran Bond • June 29, 2023
Illinois basketball loses Jeremiah Williams via decommitment

Illinois basketball loses Jeremiah Williams via decommitment

By Shawn Sloan and Kiran Bond • June 23, 2023
Column | Hozier’s new single ‘Unknown / Nth’ fails to live up to past releases

Column | Hozier’s new single ‘Unknown / Nth’ fails to live up to past releases

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • June 23, 2023
Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla in April 2010 at the Streamy Awards. The pair now own their comedy sketch brand.

Internet duo Smosh reunites, repurchases brand

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • June 20, 2023
The Illinois volleyball team huddle after their victory against Rutgers on Oct. 12, 2022. The Illini announced their Big Ten schedule for the 2023 season this morning.

Illinois volleyball releases Big Ten schedule for 2023 season

By Adam Rosen and Kiran Bond • June 14, 2023
Column | ‘The Truman Show’ remains relevant 25 years later

Column | ‘The Truman Show’ remains relevant 25 years later

By Maaike Niekerk and Kiran Bond • June 5, 2023
A guide to the best music venues in CU

A guide to the best music venues in CU

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • May 25, 2023
The intersection of Green and Wright Street.

Best places on campus to bring your parents

By Kiran Bond, A. Oishii Basu and Maaike Niekerk • May 22, 2023
This year’s Riot Fest lineup will include Queens of the Stone Age as a headliner, among other artists.

Riot Fest announces 2023 lineup featuring Foo Fighters, The Cure

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • May 16, 2023
Kali Uchis performs live in 2017.

Chicago’s Ruido Fest announces 2023 lineup

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • May 3, 2023
A semi-truck destroyed on the side of the road after multiple vehicle crash on Interstate 55.

Interstate 55 shuts down in multiple vehicle crash

By Ella Narag, Aidan Sadovi and Kiran Bond • May 1, 2023
During his performance of "Fire Burning," Sean Kingston brought multiple students on the stage.

Sean Kingston pumps up Spring Jam with electrifying performance

By Kiran Bond and Odeth Rubio • April 23, 2023
On April 19, Foo Fighters released their newest single, "Rescued." It is their first single since drummer Taylor Hawkins died in 2022.

Review | Foo Fighters return with high-powered single ‘Rescued’

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • April 22, 2023
Leah Tritabaugh, sophomore in LAS, performs with her band, Bum Rush, on April 14.

Musician finds harmony between school, band life

By Kiran Bond, Maaike Niekerk and Dhruv Baronia • April 19, 2023
Visitors at last year's craft and vendor fair, held by the Illini Union Board, look at jewelry for sale. The fair will return for this Moms Weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Make the most of Moms Weekend with these events

By Kiran Bond and Matt Troher • April 10, 2023
Column | 'The Last of Us' delivers refreshing queer love storylines

Column | ‘The Last of Us’ delivers refreshing queer love storylines

By Kiran Bond and Caroline Sweeney • April 4, 2023
Sean Kingston announced as 2023 Spring Jam artist

Sean Kingston announced as 2023 Spring Jam artist

By Kiran Bond, buzz Editor • March 28, 2023
On Feb. 24, the Jonas Brothers released their single "Wings." This is the first song the group has released together since 2021.

Column | Jonas Brothers release new single ‘Wings’

By Caroline Sweeney and Kiran Bond • March 13, 2023
On Sunday, the Spurlock Museum of World Cultures will open a new exhibit, featuring a variety of exhibits related to Nikkeijin.

Nikkeijin Illinois Spurlock exhibit to depict the Japanese American experience

By Kiran Bond, Staff Writer • February 17, 2023
Communication is key for long-distance relationships

Communication is key for long-distance relationships

By Cecilia Milmoe and Kiran Bond • February 6, 2023
All seventeen house districts, along with the Governor and Illinois' junior Senate seat, are up for election.

Eye on Illinois: Illinois state-wide election results

By Matt Troher and Kiran Bond • November 8, 2022
Various political campaign signs were posted at the north end of the main quad on Nov. 3.

Live Updates: Champaign County election results

By Matt Troher and Kiran Bond • November 8, 2022
Strict attendance policies adversely impact students 

Strict attendance policies adversely impact students 

By Kiran Bond, Staff Writer • October 18, 2022
Journalist Eli Murray sits next to Charles Ledford, associate professor of journalism, as he answers questions during a Q&A in the ACES Funk Library on Thursday. Earlier this year Murray won a Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Journalism.

Pulitzer-winning alum Eli Murray returns to campus for Q&A

By Kiran Bond, Staff Writer • September 15, 2022
The Sustainable Student Farm, located in Urbana, grows food for the University and the C-U community. The University's dinning hall receives about 80% of the farm’s produce.

Sustainable Student Farm offers fresh produce, educates students

By Kiran Bond and Nicole Littlefield • September 7, 2022
Ava Shaw, junior and a sister of the sorority Phi Mu, passed away in July due to a heart condition. The Taylor Swift night held at Joe's Brewery on Wednesday was held in her honor

Phi Mu’s ‘fearless’ fighter remembered at ‘Swifties’ night

By Faith Allendorf and Kiran Bond • August 26, 2022
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks to the press after visiting the Illini Union ballroom for an event hosted by the Illini Democrats on Aug, 16

Gov. Pritzker speaks at Illini Union

By Matt Troher and Kiran Bond • August 26, 2022
Students line up in front of Foellinger Auditorium to take photos with the Block I as people on the Main Quad walk around visiting the wide array of RSOs during Quad Day on Sunday.

On the scene at Quad Day 2022

By Aidan Finn and Kiran Bond • August 22, 2022
Eli Murray, an alum from The Daily Illini and a 2015 University graduate, is currently an investigative reporter for the Tampa Bay Times. Murray has won a Pulitzer Prize for for an article about an investigation regarding elementary school water and lead poisoning.

DI alum wins Pulitzer Prize for investigative journalism

By Kiran Bond, Staff Writer • May 30, 2022
Seniors reflect on unique college experience, COVID-19

Seniors reflect on unique college experience, COVID-19

By Kiran Bond, Staff Writer • May 3, 2022
Grind2Energy: A system for making food greener

Grind2Energy: A system for making food greener

By Kiran Bond, Contributing Writer • April 20, 2022
Rebecca Kimberly Goodman, senior in FAA, holds the transgender flag while standing beside the Alma Mater statue during the Trans Solidarity Rally on Thursday. The rally was organized by CUTES and YDSA, and was held as celebration for Trans Day of Visibility.

Students, community members rally support during Trans Day of Visibility

By Kiran Bond, Contributing Writer • April 1, 2022
Kristen Sackley, Senior Associate Program Director for Gies College of Business, is the current president of the Junior League of Champaign-Urbana. JLCU's provides and promotes an open space for women who are dedicated to aiding the community through volunteering.

Local organization helps women reach full potential

By Kiran Bond, Contributing Writer • March 7, 2022
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