Starting

• Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on March 31 that it will target 18 major US technology and industrial companies in the West Asia region starting 8 PM Tehran time on April 1 (1630 GMT), in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks on Iranian pharmaceutical facilities and leadership. • The hit list includes Microsoft, Google, Apple, Meta, Intel, IBM, Tesla, Nvidia, Boeing, HP, Cisco, Oracle, Dell, and others, accused of enabling high-tech warfare through AI, ICT, and satellite tracking for assassinations. • IRGC urged employees to immediately evacuate workplaces and residents within a one-kilometer radius to leave for safety, labeling the firms as 'terrorist companies' and promising destruction of their regional units.

• The Academy announced Thursday a 10-year agreement with AEG to move the Oscars ceremony from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood to the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, 9 miles away, beginning in 2029. • The move coincides with the telecast's transition from ABC to YouTube in 2029, marking a significant shift in both the ceremony's broadcast home and physical location. • The Dolby Theatre will host the final years of the ceremony on ABC, concluding with the 100th Academy Awards in 2028.

• Virginia lawmakers passed a bill legalizing recreational cannabis sales for adults 21+ from January 1, 2027, authorizing up to 350 retail stores by 2028. • The framework prioritizes licenses for residents from disproportionately policed areas, veterans, and distressed farmers, with a 6% state tax plus local add-ons up to 3.5%. • This aligns Virginia with eastern states' tax models, potentially generating revenue while promoting equity in licensing.

• NCAA Men's Tournament bracket reveal airs March 15 at 6 p.m. CBS, following conference title games. • First Four games begin March 17-18; First Round March 19-20, culminating in Final Four April 4-6 at Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium. • 11 automatic bids awarded March 14 via conference tournaments; at-large selections finalize field of 68.