The most recent Star Wars: Episode VII rumors have centered on the dark side of the Force and the villains who will be tightening their grip on the galaxy. The current thought is that the Inquisitors, ancient Sith warriors who will also appear in Star Wars Rebels, are expected to be the major threat throughout the new trilogy. That hasn't been confirmed and probably never will be, but now a "new" rumors has surfaced that says the Inquisitors won't be alone; they'll be joined by a very familiar bad guy from the prior trilogies. Potential spoilers beyond this point!
Latino Review says two sources have "100%" confirmed Emperor Palpatine will be returning for Star Wars VII and VIII. If this rumor sounds familiar it's because a year ago the same story was making the rounds, only then it was with the expectation Ian McDiarmid would be in the role once again. That wouldn't be the case this time, though, but it's not clear if that's because Palpatine would be taking on a new form. He was, after all, killed at the end of Return of the Jedi. Or at least it was assumed he died but without a body and his considerable Force powers anything is possible. He wouldn't be the first Jedi to survive a tumble in the Death Star.
It should go without saying but everything in regards to Star Wars: Episode VII should be taken with a grain of salt until confirmed by J.J. Abrams or Lucasfilm, and they aren't really in the habit of doing such things.
