Clarence Thomas misses Supreme Court oral arguments with no explanation

• The Supreme Court did not immediately respond Monday to Axios' request for comment regarding Thomas' absence.

Driving the news: Chief Justice John Roberts announced Thomas' absence Monday and said his colleague would participate in the day's cases through transcripts and briefs, AP reported.

• Thomas did not participate in the proceedings virtually either, as justices occasionally do when they are ill or for other reasons cannot make it to the court, per AP.
• The court is hearing arguments in two cases Monday: Snyder v. United States, a case regarding the federal anti-bribery statute, and Chiaverini v. City of Napoleon, Ohio, a case concerning the fourth amendment.

The big picture: Thomas, 75, is the eldest Supreme Court justice on the current court. He is also its longest-serving member, and has been on the bench since 1991.

• Thomas took part in cases while he was hospitalized two years ago with an infection.
• He came under intense scrutiny last year amid allegations that he failed to properly disclose luxury trips from an influential Republican megadonor and other potential ethics breaches.