The Loop: Why Donald Trump's estate was searched, John Barilaro to be grilled by inquiry again, and when to see the sturgeon supermoon

Hi there. It's Friday, August 12, and you're reading The Loop, a quick look at today's news.

Let's start here: The latest on the FBI raid of Donald Trump's estate

The US Department of Justice has filed a motion to unseal the warrant used in the search of Donald Trump's Florida home, as well as the property receipt.

It comes as US Attorney-General Merrick Garland says federal agents searched the former president's estate as part of an investigation into whether he illegally removed records from the White House as he was leaving office.

Mr Garland, the nation's top law enforcement official, said he personally approved the decision to search Mr Trump's home.

He said the Justice Department asked a court to unseal the search warrant due to "substantial public interest" in the wake of Mr Trump revealing the search was happening.

Merrick Garland's Justice Department has faced fierce criticism following the search of Mr Trump's home. (AP: Evelyn Hockstein)

Something you'll be hearing about today: John Barilaro

The former New South Wales deputy premier will give evidence again today at a parliamentary inquiry examining his appointment to a lucrative US trade role.

Here's what you need to know:

• The whole day has been set aside to hear from John Barilaro, who withdrew from the job after controversy surrounding the recruitment process
• He last fronted the inquiry on Monday in a session which yielded multiple revelations
• The NSW opposition has said it will ask questions about Mr Barilaro's girlfriend Jennifer Lugsdin, who he helped get a job at Investment NSW

Today's evidence will begin at 10am AEST.

John Barilaro first gave evidence to the inquiry on Monday. (AAP: Bianca De Marchi)

News while you snoozed

• An armed man wearing body armour has tried to breach a security screening area at an FBI field office in Ohio, before fleeing and being injured in an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement officials, according to authorities. The confrontation came as officials warned of an increase in threats against federal agents in the days following an FBI search of former US president Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida

• Another armed man has been arrested after taking up to 10 employees and customers hostage at a bank in Beirut, Lebanon. The man threatened to set himself on fire with petrol unless he was allowed to withdraw some of his trapped savings to pay his father's medical bills. After hours of negotiations, he accepted an offer from the bank, released his hostages and surrendered

Here's what Australia has been searching for online

• Paul Green. ICYMI yesterday, the former rugby league coach and player died aged 49. Players and NRL clubs have paid tribute to Green, who spent a decade playing at the top level

• Tommy Lee. The Mötley Crüe drummer is back in the headlines — this time for posting a naked photo to Instagram, which was live for a few hours before being removed

One more thing: Today's the day for the sturgeon supermoon

Today's sturgeon Moon marks the last time Australians will see a supermoon until 2023.

So when's the best time to see it?

Moonrise is when you'll be able to get the clearest view of the sturgeon Moon, so — for those living on Australia's east coast — keep your eyes to the eastern horizon any time after 5:30pm AEST on Friday, August 12.

You can learn more about the sturgeon supermoon right here.

You're up to date!

We'll be back this evening with more updates.

ABC/wires