The following is taken from, four Canon books, several comic books, two video games, (one cherished, one held in contempt,) a much beloved roleplaying game, and a little bit of speculation.

The major factions in the Galaxy are the New Republic, the First Order, and the Resistance.

The New Republic, which was the Galaxy’s governing body is reeling after the destruction of Hosnian Prime and the four other worlds of the Hosnian System from the assault of Starkiller Base. The Chancellor and the greater majority of the Senate died in the attack. Certain key Senators sympathetic to the First Order and pushing for the restoration of The Empire were off system at the time of the attack.

The First Order has lost Starkiller Base, but this had not been their capital. In fact, the Supremacy, may very well be their mobile capital. Literally a Capital ship.

The Resistance, seems to have lost the least as of the end of the last movie, but their hidden base on D’Qar was revealed. They may be fighting a withdrawal action in this movie and head to the former Rebellion era base on Crait to regroup and resupply.

-

Cantonica, the planet where the casino city of Canto Bight is located, boasts the largest artificially made ocean in the Galaxy.

The chinar tree was a species of sun-sensitive tree from Alderaan that had a distinctive scent of spice and fire, Canto Bight paid a ransom for the last seeds of the trees and they flourish on Cantonica long after the demise of their home world.

To further show off their extravagant opulence and luxury, Canto Bight uses sentient beings in roles normally carried out by droids, which include laborers and servants.

Gamblers who can not pay off their losses become indentured servants, barley a step above slavery.

The police force on Canto Bight is described as ‘better than most’ but still has corrupt members among their ranks.

Pazaak, a game from the original Knights of the Old Republic game is played on Canto Bight.

Zinbiddle, which was played on the Kuari Princess, as well as Zero G massages, are all from West End Games, and are Canon once again.

-

Jedi Master Luke Skywalker has been studying The Force, both Jedi and Sith teachings, as well as many different Force mysticism and beliefs.

(Speculation) I really think he will be the last of the Jedi Order. He means to forge a new path with Rey, one where there is Balance in The Force.

Luke has taken a compass and two saplings from a tree that was in the Jedi temple. The significance of both may be given during the movie.

Captain Phasma is a hardened killer, blindly loyal to herself first and foremost. She will do anything to survive and even advance her station. This is why she readily provides the shield codes in The Force Awakens. Look to see her more threatening in this movie.

Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo knew Princess Leia during her time in The Imperial Senate. Even then she seemed quite peculiar, she does not fear death, and is willing to sacrifice lives for what she feels is the greater good.

-

I wonder if we will see a Lightsaber crystal bled in this movie.

-

Patton Oswalt who I’m (un)lucky enough to be friendly with has been trolling me because he has seen the film, I get to see it Tuesday, and something he said may just have been the biggest spoiler for me.

SPOILER

Two bits of current Canon I am happy to be part of, and one that maybe Canon soon.

The empty seat on The Death Star conference room belongs to Director Krennic.

Rogue Squadron is once again the Rebellion’s elite squadron, and was named after the heroes of Rogue One. They participated in the Battle of Endor but in honor of Red Squadron that fought at the Battle of Yavin, the Squadron used that designation.

Interestingly enough up to very recently, there was no new Canon designating the Rogues as the elite squadron we know them to be.

Lastly, and this is not yet confirmed, while The Emperor’s Royal Guard were never given a set number (the best estimates the Rebellion had places this number between 50 to 5,000+), Snoke has eight Praetorian Guards.

I saw that the first post wasn't just the word "nothing" and skipped

1 hour ago, Imperial Advisor Arem Heshvaun said:

Two bits of current Canon I am happy to be part of, and one that maybe Canon soon.

The empty seat on The Death Star conference room belongs to Director Krennic.

Rogue Squadron is once again the Rebellion’s elite squadron, and was named after the heroes of Rogue One. They participated in the Battle of Endor but in honor of Red Squadron that fought at the Battle of Yavin, the Squadron used that designation.

Interestingly enough up to very recently, there was no new Canon designating the Rogues as the elite squadron we know them to be.

Lastly, and this is not yet confirmed, while The Emperor’s Royal Guard were never given a set number (the best estimates the Rebellion had places this number between 50 to 5,000+), Snoke has eight Praetorian Guards.

Hey so when was Rogue Squadron reintroduced? What book or comic?

5 hours ago, Imperial Advisor Arem Heshvaun said:

Luke has taken a compass and two saplings from a tree that was in the Jedi temple. The significance of both may be given during the movie.

Nice writeup, Advisor! I wanted to add to this that Luke gave one of those saplings to Shara Bey, Poe Dameron's mom, and it was planted in the backyard of the house Poe grew up in (source: Marvel comics). Not sure how that fits in, but I think whatever the legacy of the Force is, Marvel at least wants Poe to be a part of it.

3 hours ago, Tailsgod said:

Hey so when was Rogue Squadron reintroduced? What book or comic?

Rogue Squadron’s elite status was made Canon once again in Daniel Wallace’s book, Star Wars - On the Front Lines.

Something I had been pushing for in conversations with him.

Just bought my ticket for the 7 PM show. Fingers crossed this one is good.

2 hours ago, Imperial Advisor Arem Heshvaun said:

Rogue Squadron’s elite status was made Canon once again in Daniel Wallace’s book, Star Wars - On the Front Lines.

Something I had been pushing for in conversations with him.

Holy crap. You're up high there, huh?

Actually if this was of any relevance we should have had some of that explanation in Episode 7.

Granted you don't know anything about Alderan but you at least heard of its name several times and it it was explained that it was Leia's home providing the emotional connection. As for the planet(s) that got blown up in Episode 7 you don't even know the name of that planet. Oh but you got to see a bunch of nameless faces that are going to die after 5 seconds of screen time.

The only thing you need to know is that there were reshoots, and that Carrie Fischer which was supposed to be in Episode 9 passed away last year. So it is likely that the reshoots were to end the character arc of one General Leia, and if Rogue One have proved anything is that the scenes in the trailer doesn't have to be in the move.