Medical authorities are concerned at a big increase in the number of whooping cough cases.

The National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System shows there have been 740 more cases in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.

Also of concern is new research which indicates the waning potency of the whooping cough vaccine over time.

It’s recommended that people get a booster every 10 years but the chairman of the Immunisation Coalition Professor Robert Booy tells Mark people should get one every five years, especially if they spend time around babies.

The Brisbane City Council has handed down its budget worth $3.1 billion.

It will see rates rise by an average 2.5 per cent, debt will increase $1 billion to $2.6 billion which will help fund a $930 million infrastructure spend.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner tells Mark it is essential the council invests in the infrastructure necessary to cope with the city’s growing population.

The Queensland Police Ethical Standard Command has launched an investigation after two officers on the Gold Coast shot an alleged attacker multiple times.

It’s alleged the man came at police armed with two knives.

He was hit several times but survived and is now in hospital under police guard.

Queensland Police Union president Ian Levers tells Mark the use of lethal force can often have an impact on the officers involved unaffected.

Tonight the planet Jupiter will be so close to Earth, a mere 640 million kilometres away, you will be able to see some of its moons with a pair of binoculars.

The gas giant will be in, what’s known as, Opposition meaning the Earth is in between the Sun and Jupiter in a straight line.

"Astro" Dave Reneke from Astro-Space News Magazine explains to Mark that while tonight is the best night to see the king of the gods, he’ll be putting on a show all month.

Megan Hilty is one of Broadway’s biggest stars with leading roles in smash hit musicals including Wicked, 9 to 5 and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes just to name a few.

When she toured Australia for the first time in 2016 she played to sold-out theatres.

This time Megan will perform selections from the Great American Songbook backed by a 40 piece orchestra.

Megan tells Mark her aim to make the concert hall into an intimate, personal experience for the audience.

It’s a long way from an improverished village in China to inclusion on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, but it’s just the latest chapter in Li Cunxin storied life.

The man who became known to the world as Mao’s Last Dancer has been made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his services to the arts.

Li, the artistic director of the Queensland Ballet, tells Mark he is humbled by the honour and says he sometimes can’t believe how his life has worked out.

Looking for something to do this weekend Olympia has some great suggestions, brought to you by The Good Feet Store.

Not even the most generous fan would describe the Angels brand of hard driving rock and roll as heavenly, but it’s set to be elevated to a whole different level.

The band is coming to the Concert Hall at QPAC in December for one night only, backed by a full orchestra.

The Symphony Of Angels show will see the band play 20 of their classics and guitarist Rick Brewster tells Mark classical music and orchestras are in his blood.

There are Australians on the frontlines of trouble spots around the world that don’t always get the recognition they deserve.

Today though they were honoured with a memorial service and march at Wacol to mark National Military Working Dog Day.

Vice President of the Australian Defence Force Trackers and War Dogs Association Lt Col George Hulse (Ret) tells Mark there are plenty of Aussie soldiers that owe their lives to the dogs and their handlers.

As part of Queensland’s 160th birthday celebrations eight more individuals and organisations have been added to the list of the state’s greats.

They include former Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson, philanthropist Chuck Feeney, the Country Women’s Association and journalist and community advocate Kay McGrath.

Kay tells Mark she hopes her award brings more attention to the work of fighting domestic and family violence, and child protection.