Rushing to say goodbye. Where the zoos biggest celebrity is going. Nightly news begins right now. Announcer this is nbc nightly news, with lester holt. And good evening. We start tonight with an nbc news exclusive about russia and the possible future of Edward Snowden. The fugitive exnsa contractor who was granted refuge in russia after exposing secrets, some of americas most sensitive surveillance programs. Two senior government officials telling nbc news that russian officials are discussing the idea of turning snowden over to the u. S. But what would russia expect in return for a man seen by some here as a traitor and others, a hero . Heres Senior Investigative correspondent cynthia mcfadden. Tonight, nbc news has learned that the russian government is considering offering fugitive Edward Snowden as a gift to President Trump. This, according to a senior official, who has analyzed a series of highly sensitive intelligence reports detailing russian conversations and deliberations. A second source in the Intelligence Community confirms the intelligence and notes it has been received since the inauguration. The sources say russia has been formulating various employs to curry favor with the new president. During the campaign, mr. Trump made it clear what he wanted to see happen. I think hes a total traitor. And i would deal with him harsh harshly. And if i were president , put won give him over. Snowden has been charge under the espionage act and faces at least 30 years in prison. The sources tell nbc news the snowden gift would be part of an ongoing Russian Campaign to disrupt the american system as they did during the election. One of the things that putin or the russians may see is that they could appear to be offering a gift as a part of warming of relations. But at the end of the day, it creates complication for the new administration. Complications that might arise during a snowden trial. Like reopening the debate about american surveillance and civil liberties. Good for the russians. Last year, mike pompeo, now c. I. A. Director, said prison was not enough for snowden. I think the proper outcome would be that he would be given a death sentence. We asked mr. Snowdens aclu lawyer about his possible return. Team snowden has received no such signals and has no new reason for concern. In december, mr. Snowden himself said he wasnt worried. Theyre going to be some kind of deal, where trump says hey, look, you know, give this guy to me. As some kind of present. Am i worried about it . Not really. I know i did the right thing. I think this is one of those rare cases where the stakes are so high, the diplomatic implications so deep, that anything can happen. I think at the end of the day, moscow holds the cards here. The Justice Department told nbc news the u. S. Would welcome snowdens return. The kremlin told us that the talk of returning snowden to the u. S. Was nonsense. And the white house . Had no comment. Lester . Cynthia mcfadden in new york, thank you. Russia is also in the news concerning a storm of controversy swirling around National Security adviser michael flynn. Despite denials by members of the trump administration, including Vice President pence, u. S. Officials tell nbc news flynn did discuss sanctions with russias ambassador before mr. Trump became president. Nbcs Andrea Mitchell has details. National security adviser mike flynn with a frontrow seat at the white house today. But tonight under fire now admitting he might have talked to the Russian Ambassador about obamas sanctions before President Trump took office. Despite repeated denials from flynn and others in the administration. The only conversation that general flynn had was one to wish him a merry christmas, two to express sympathies for the loss of life that occurred during the plane crash. They did not discuss anything having to do with the United States decision to expel diplomats. Tonight nbc news is learning from intelligence sources that flynn did discuss sanctions with the Russian Ambassador. Now flynns spokesperson saying he cant be 100 certain it did not come up. Officials tell nbc news pence based his defense of flynn entirely on what flin told him. He that he would mislead the American People about what he discussed with the Russian Ambassador that makes him, i think, if true, patently unfit for office. The timing of flynns calls and texts with the russian is critical. Just as the Obama White House was expelling 35 Russian Diplomats for the Election Year hacking. The fact that this telephone conversation happened on december 29th, the very day that the Obama White House imposed the sanctions, clearly implies that that was the subject of the phone call. The next day, instead of retaliating, Vladimir Putin surprisingly declined to respond. Mr. Trump tweeting great move on delay by v. Putin. I always knew he was very smart. Tonight on air force one, the president was asked about the reports about flynn. I havent seen that, ill look at that. Tonight democrats want to know if the fbi has transcripts of the calls with the russians routinely intercepted by the u. S. The intelligence committees are investigating. But intelligence sources say no one has concluded that flynn broke any laws. Lester . Andrea mitch until washington. The Trump White House is planning its next move over the controversial travel ban after last nights defeat in a federal appeals court. Late today the president said hes considering signing a new immigration order. Our justice correspondent Pete Williams has more. No president ial criticism today for judges and the courts, instead, a hint of something new in the legal fight. On flight to florida with japans visiting prime minister, mr. Trump said he would respond to the legal challenges by coming up with a revised executive order next week. Well win that battle. But we also have a lot of other options, including just filing a brand new order. An Administration Officials say they will not take the fight to the Supreme Court for now. Many legal experts say that makes sense. I think its a losing case. So you go up to the Supreme Court, youve got three losses in a row. Thats not smart legally and its really not smart politically. The move to revise the january 27th order follows yesterdays unanimous defeat before a federal appeals court. The judges said mr. Trumps order violated the Constitutional Rights of people here. Green card holders and foreign visitors, including College Faculty and students. The executive order could be narrowed to cover only people overseas, who have never applied for a u. S. Visa before. From the seven countries deemed to present a higher risk for potential terrorists. More legal trouble for the administration comes in an entirely separate lawsuit over the travel restrictions. Brought by the state of virginia. Making similar claims about harm to its residents. Weve got students and University Employees and professors. Judge brinkema said that. Courts but the white house insists all Legal Options are still on the table. Lester . Pete williams tonight, thanks. And on a cold winter day theres nothing but warmth at the white house today. During the meeting between President Trump and japans prime minister. The president pledged a close economic and military cooperation with japan, all while tensions played out across the country about some of the president s policies. Nbc News White House correspondent Hallie Jackson has more on this tonight. A political bromance, budding with a double hug and double handclasp between donald trump and japans prime minister. The two showcasing the strength of their alliance. Before heading to the winter white house for some golf at maralago. Shinzo abe showering praise on the president s business acumen. Highlighting japanese developments here, even namedropping trump tower. Its not clear if the president understood all of it. Without a translation earpiece. That came later. Both leaders announcing theyre now working toward a new oneonone trade agreement. With President Trump fresh off talks with another asian power china. It was a very, very warm conversation. The president promising to honor the one china policy, which does not recognize an independent taiwan. For President Trump, a reversal. I dont know why we have to be bound by one china policy. Unless we make a deal with china. Having to do with other things. His shift, a sign his administration hopes to settle concerns in asia. As here at home, unsettling signs of anger at his administration are boiling over. New education secretary betsy devos, physically blocked from a d. C. Public school today. Shame, shame other demonstrators flooding republican town halls across the country. Like in deep red georgia, and in utah. Where voters demanded congressman jason chaffetz, who had the House Oversight committee, do his job and investigate President Trump. [ do your job [. Other protesters pushed lawmakers over the president s bid to get rid of the health care law. The person who will oversee that overhaul was sworn in former congressman tom price, now the head of health and human services. Thank you. With the president expanding Immigration Enforcement along our southern border, there are growing fears among undocumented immigrants that they could be suddenly forced out of the country. And in many cases tearing their families apart. As nbcs Gatti Schwartz reports, its already happening as others worry. Today a Family Reunion but its only temporary. Guadalupe garcias two American Children have travelled to mexico to be with her. After she was deported this week, the first highprofile removal during President Trumps administration. I thought the United States would be united. But guadalupe says her children cant stay in mexico, because its too violent. And in this florida apartment, another mother, theresa, makes dinner for her children. Four were born in the u. S. One was born in mexico. And recently, 8yearold kelly heard a knock on the door. It was immigration officials, with questions for kellys mother, who is undocumented. Kelly, so traumatized she had a panic attack and was hospitalized. Her father has been detained, she is now terrified of losing her mother as well. The fears of separation are traumatizing for children born to the American Academy of pediatrics. Youre really threatening the health of children by placing them in situations where theyre chronically worried about the fear of being separated from their parents. While every day on the southern border, families emerge from the brush. Shes saying she has to escape the violence in el salvador, because once kids become six, seven, eight years old, theyre brought into the violence, theyre brought into the gangs and theyll be killed. Mothers trying to shield their children, whom they later find more trauma in the fear of family separation. Gotti schwartz, nbc news. Here in california, much of the west, Severe Weather remains a big concern tonight. Another downpour hammering large parts of the state. And while the rain is welcome here in southern california, they cant catch a break in the north, where the wet weather has triggered mudslides eed mudslid flooding. Miguel almaguer has the latest. This is a week of extremes. Today, 80mileperhour gusts whipping flames in colorado. Wicked wind in wyoming, toppling a big rig on to a police cruiser. Widespread flooding in idaho, swallowing cars and homes. Mudslides crushing them in washington state. I heard just a loud boom. Tonight in california, its a torrent of rain leaving many on edge. Floodwaters here sweeping away cars. Near fresno, a man in his 70s reached by a rescue team just in time. Not far away in kern county, another team reaching this woman, but couldnt save a man submerged in this vehicle. Overnight, floodwaters keep rising. As strangers try to help each other. Its too strong, i couldnt go get him. Hillsides are giving way outside san francisco. Homes, sliding off their foundation. The whole hillside came loose. Outside sacramento, a Freight Train off the tracks. 23 cars into the water. Now the wet weather is making its way south. Reservoirs are gushing, and some are crumbling under pressure. Californias secondlargest reservoir on the verge of overflowing. But parts of this state still desperately need water. Tonight, california suffering from a deluge and a drought at the same time. Miguel almaguer, nbc news, los angeles. Still ahead tonight, danger in the skies close calls involving airliners and unmanned drones, with several incidents in just the last two weeks. Also, the spectacular show expected tonight. Three good reasons why you might want to look up. You done already . Im out of data again i cant work out without my music you need to switch to sprint. I got unlimited data, talk and text for 50 bucks a month and you get 300 off a Samsung Galaxy s7 edge. I didnt even have to wait on my tax refund. I heard 5 gigs of data is all you need. Hows that working out for you . vo get sprints unlimited plan for 50 a month. Plus, get the Samsung Galaxy s7 edge and save 300. Looks like im not the only one who switched. For people with hearing loss, vo switch to sprint. Visit sprintrelay. Com. vo nutritional needs. Ogs all in one. Purina one. Healthy energy, all in one. Strong muscles, all in one. Highly digestible, and a taste he loves, all in one. Purina one smartblend is expertly blended. 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At least four serious incidents in just the past two weeks. And experts continue to warn about the risk of a drone taking out a cockpit window or even an engine. We get more from nbcs tom costello. The most serious incident occurred just yesterday. 4 35 p. M. At washingtondulles. Just as an air france boeing 777 was coming in for a landing, a drone suddenly buzzed the cockpit. We have a drone at about 100 feet. You said it was off your right side or left side. Left side, just above my head. The tower then immediately warned the next plane. Weve just had a report of a possible drone, about 800 feet. On wednesday, another close call involving a giant lufthansa airbus a380 taking off from houston. Just 800 feet off the ground, a drone came within 100 feet in honolulu on thus, a drone came within 50 feet of a private plane, another close call in jacksonville. While pilots reported 1200 close calls in 2015, that number jumped to more than 1800 last year. Five a day. If they impact an airliner or another airplane, theyre going to do the same amount of damage or more, than birds. The challenge, radar doesnt pick up most drones. While the faa has been testing potential drone detection systems, an actual system could be years away. In virginia today, jcsilvey was flying his drone for photography. But hes also a commercial airline pilot. The biggest danger is it being taken out an engine. It definitely could throw the blades in the engine. 722,000 drones are now registered with the faa. Tens of thousands more may not be. And owners not aware they need to stay away from planes and airports. Tom costello, nbc news, washington. In just a moment, one of a parents worst nightmares, a school bus americans 83 try to eat healthy. Yet up 90 fall short in getting key nutrients from food alone. Lets do more. Add one a day 50 a complete multivitamin with 100 daily value of more than 15 key nutrients. One a day 50 . What twisted ankle . Ask what muscle strain . 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Tonight its the kind of thing stargazers dream up, a triple treat in the sky, an eclipse, a comet and a full moon all in the same night. The penumbral Lunar Eclipse will occur at the same time a full snow moon and later comet 45p will make a flyby. Visible from about 7 million miles away. And from the category of great expectations, word that george and amal clooney are going to have twins. Their longtime friend matt damon told the today show that the clunys are expecting the babies in june. When we come back, why so many are trying to get one last look at a beloved part of the family. At the national zoo. Announcer nbc nightly news is brought to you by weather tech. Go to protect your vehicle . Im on it. Weathertech. Made right, in america coaching means making tough choices. Jim youre in but when you have high Blood Pressure and need Cold Medicine that works fast, the choice is simple. 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Captured live on the zoos panda cam. Her first steps. Her first snow. Shes kind of our little miracle girl. Her trainers say now she acts like a teenager. We used word sassy. She has a lot to say. I know. Zoo keeper Lori Thompson has been from bao bao from the beginning. Go ahead she leads her through activities, like painting. All voluntary. Designed to help stimulate use of bao baos psuedo thumbs, something she also uses for holding bamboo. Training geared to this moment when the 3yearold will hop a plane headed to china. Part of a longstanding agreement. All cubs born in the u. S. Move to their native land to take part in a breeding program. The goal is to get more pandas back in the wild so as our pandas wont actually go into the wild, but perhaps their offspring will. Theyve taught bao bao by hand signals. So theres no worry about a language barrier. Good girl. On february 21st a trainer and plenty of bamboo will be right by her side. Until then, crowds will gather to bid farewell. Byebye, panda. To the girl who captured our hearts and grew up before our eyes. Kristen dahlgren, nbc news, washington. And thats a whole lot of cute. Thats going to do it for us on a friday night. Im lester holt. For all of us at nbc news, thank you for watching and good night. Alec baldwins practicing this weekends trump roast. His saturday night live surprises revealed. Right now only on extra. Extra, extra. Alec baldwin polishing the script for saturday night. The media is very unfair. His wife hilaria is our special correspondent, taking on the reon the rehearsarehearsals. Only doing this for extra. Will rosie get her revenge playing steve bannon . Britd knees niece maddie released from the hospital after her atv crash. The first photos and how shes doing. Matt damons first words on his buddy clooneys twin news. How long ago did you find out about this. How he thinks george will do as a firsttime dad at the age of 55. Theyre just two of the greatest people that i know. New details on gagas new man. Plus gagas got Something Special planned. Were getting the lastminute grammy secrets from host james corden. Hello from the other side adele going head to head with beyonce. Bruno mars unleashing his 24karat magic. Then lingerie, ruffles, boho chic, our ultimate spring fashion forecast