In Memoriam
This "We Are Family" singer passed in June
Sly Stone
Bowen Yang, who plays Pfanee in the recent Wicked films, closed his SNL career in an episode hosted by this actress, his co-star
Ariana Grande
By far the most important part of the Sox's next season will be this divine man, a native of Chicago's South Side (official title)
Pope Leo XIV
The top grossing film worldwide in 2025 was Ne Zha 2, a film from this country
China
The easiest pickup for Senate Democrats should be Maine, but these two Democratic candidates will be splitting the primary (and both have their own problems)
Graham Platner, Janet Mills
Ozzy Osbourne's July death was followed by this KISS guitarist in October
Ace Frehley
This SNL cast member who is in her 5th season appeared at rallies for Zohran Mamdani
Sarah Sherman
The White Sox signed this Japanese superstar to a two-year deal just before Christmas
Munetaka Murakami
It was a big year for live action remakes, with Lilo & Stitch making over $1 billion and this adaptation of a 2010 DreamWorks film making $600 million
How to Train Your Dragon
In Texas, there is a competitive primary taking shape for both Democrats and Republicans; on the Republican side, John Cornyn is being challenged to the right by U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt and this far-right Attorney General of Texas
This Is Spinal Tap
Ashley Padilla remained a featured player in her second year on the cast; she hails from this Los Angeles sketch comedy organization
Groundlings
The White Sox hope to get big contributions from catcher Kyle Teel and infielder Chase Meidroth this coming season; both players came over from the Red Sox in exchange for this southpaw ace
Garrett Crochet
This director's take on Superman finished in tenth in worldwide gross with a bit north of $600 million; he is also known for Guardians of the Galaxy
James Gunn
In Nebraska, Independent politician Dan Osborn is once again running after narrowly losing to Deb Fischer in 2024; his presumptive Republican candidate will be this guy whose family owns the Chicago Cubs
Pete Ricketts
Although Bob Weir died in 2026, this Grateful Dead vocalist passed away in November
Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay
Although Please Don't Destroy's sketches will no longer be on SNL, this guy (the ginger one of the group) is now a repertory cast member
Ben Marshall
This 9-year MLB veteran outfielder will be returning as White Sox manager for a second season; he led the team to a 19-game improvement in 2025
Will Venable
F1, starring this famous actor, finished in 9th
Brad Pitt
There are two special elections, where Republicans Jon Husted and Ashley Moody are running for a full term after taking over when these two politicians took on roles in Donald Trump's Cabinet
J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio
MLB Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg died at the age of 65; although best known for his time with the Cubs, he actually debuted with this team that re-signed Kyle Schwarber
Philadelphia Phillies
Orlando comedian Kam Patterson is among the newcomers for SNL 51, but news of his hiring met controversy due to his association with this outspoken comedian (known for a bad-timed joke about Puerto Rico in 2024)
Tony Hinchcliffe
The White Sox loan All Star in 2025 and projected ace for 2026 was Shane Smith, who was acquired in this December-based draft in which teams select among eligible players that are not on the 40-man roster of their own team
Rule 5
Zootopia 2 was the top American film; Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman voice these two main characters
Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde
Bill Cassidy is facing a major primary challenge to the right in this state; Cassidy briefly opposed the nomination of RFK Jr. to head HHS before backing down out of fear of a tough primary, but his cowardice was not enough
Louisiana