The scoop on Friday, Oct. 23: 5 things to know this morning

MARTA stated on Thursday that the Georgia Tech student who disappeared after attending a Greek sorority formal and was found beaten and bloodied in northeast Atlanta was not on the MARTA system. The student, James Hubert, underwent a successful spine surgery on Wednesday. Read more.

2. Maris, much-loved beluga whale at Georgia Aquarium, dies

Maris, one of the first beluga whales at the Georgia facility, showed no signs of illness in a recent exam and had been eating normally. Chief veterinary officer Gregory Bossart said, "This is a case of sudden, acute animal death." RIP Maris. Read more.

3. Atlanta rapper Rich Homie Quan to perform at Hawks opener

Atlanta rapper Rich Homie Quan will perform at Tuesday's opener against the Detroit Pistons at Philips Arena. Fans attending will also receive a free t-shirt commemorating the big event. Read more.

4. Officer who shot nude veteran says he believed man was high on PCP

Officer Robert Olsen, the DeKalb County police officer who fatally shot unarmed veteran Anthony Hill, said he believed Hill was high on bath salts or PCP. Olsen was able to hear all of the evidence against him and make a statement before a grand jury that can't be cross-examined — a privilege available only in Georgia, and one not available to private citizens. Read more.

5. Atlanta may help pay for arena remodel to keep Hawks downtown

To keep the Atlanta Hawks from leaving downtown, the team and city officials are discussing a significant remodel of Philips Arena. Mayor Kasim Reed told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the renovation could cost $150-$250 million and how much taxpayers might chip in has not been determined. Read more.