1.9 prerelease 3 was released earlier today.
I don't have the download link yet.
New items/substances that were are Ender Eyes, a mysterious black goo, and light-blue blocks that can be repaired by Ender Eyes. Also, there's currently non-functioning air-portals, which lead to a sky dimension. Through some coding tomfoolery, you can access this sky dimension. It's not as impressive as you think.
In addition, there are enchantment tables and new potions.
EDIT: I tried this on my computer and it still says that it is the second pre-release. I have no idea what's going on, but I'll find out.
EDIT: Wrong links. Entirely my fault/derpy mistake. They have been fixed.
If you have been following MC news for a good amount of time, Notch has confirmed and re-confirmed that dragons will not be in the game. It looks like he's changed his mind.
I accidentally all my blaze rods into blaze stuff... I was going to give some away but I had already made two stands anyways. Also, I build a netherwart farm. I managed to collect... 4 eyes of ender today. I'm almost ready for the Ender.
EDIT: Also, I was watching Jeb's livestream earlier... Oh man...
Goods news: Minecraft has been updated to the fourth pre-release (yesterday). New features include:
-Ability to ENTER the End dimension! (portals found in strongholds)
-The End dimension is not done yet
-Tossing an Eye of Ender locates strongholds!
-Moon phases! (moon and sun are now round)
-Names for enchantments!
-Sword of Featherfall I
-Bane of Arthropods I
-Pickaxe of Efficiency I/II
- Sharpness I
- Respiration I
- Projectile Protection I/II/III/IV
- Protection I/II/IV
- Fire Aspect I
- Efficiency I/II
- Unbreaking I/II
- Fire Protection I
- Blast Protection I
- Sword of Looting I
- Pickaxe of Fortune I
-Silk Touch I - Lets you mine blocks without breaking them.
-Enderpearls are now in stronghold chests! (not to mention that there are more spawning chests in strongholds!)
-Faster freezing water!
-Visual effect when Potion of Swifness is used!
-Attack and kill mobs inside your home!(only through glass)
-Multiple enchantments for each weapon!
-Easier rotating signs!
-HD texture pack support!
And more stuff that I may have missed!
As for the bad news.... there aren't any OFFICIAL dragons.