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TD Bank Group reported a first-quarter profit of $4.04 billion, a substantial increase from the $2.79 billion recorded during the same period last year, the bank announced Thursday.

The profit translates to $2.34 per diluted share for the quarter ended January 31, up from $1.55 per diluted share a year prior, according to the bank’s statement. Total revenue reached $16.59 billion, exceeding the $14.05 billion reported in the first quarter of 2025.

TD’s provision for credit losses decreased to $1.04 billion, down from $1.21 billion a year ago. On an adjusted basis, the bank’s earnings per diluted share rose to $2.44, compared to $2.02 in the previous year. This adjusted figure surpassed the average analyst estimate of $2.26 per share, as tracked by LSEG Data & Analytics.

“We achieved robust trading and fee income growth in our markets-driven businesses, volume growth in Canadian personal and commercial banking, and margin expansion,” said Raymond Chun, TD’s chief executive, in a prepared statement.

The Canadian personal and commercial banking segment delivered a record performance, earning $2.04 billion, an increase from $1.83 billion in the year-ago quarter. This growth was driven by increased loan and deposit volumes, resulting in record revenue for the segment.

TD’s U.S. Banking operations also saw significant improvement, reporting earnings of $1.04 billion for the quarter, a considerable jump from the $342 million earned in the same period last year. The bank’s wealth management and insurance business contributed $757 million to the overall profit, up from $680 million, benefiting from record assets and increased transaction revenue.

Wholesale banking operations, including capital markets, generated $561 million in earnings for the quarter, a substantial increase from $299 million the previous year.

A 14-year-old girl and a local businessman were fatally shot outside Atlantis Senior Secondary School in Cape Town, South Africa, on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, amidst ongoing violence linked to the country’s taxi industry. The shooting, which also injured two other students – aged 14 and 16 – has sparked outrage and a reward offer from local authorities. The incident underscores the escalating dangers faced by communities caught in the crossfire of turf wars between rival taxi associations, a problem that has plagued South Africa for decades.

The attack occurred as students were leaving school, and gunshots immediately caused panic. Police responding to the scene discovered the body of Eugene Titus, a 42-year-old taxi operator, inside a minibus taxi with multiple gunshot wounds. The 14-year-old girl was found in the school grounds, having died from multiple gunshot wounds to the chest while attempting to flee the gunfire. The motive appears to be connected to long-running disputes within the taxi industry, a sector known for its fierce competition and, increasingly, its clashes with e-hailing services.

Taxi Industry Violence in South Africa

South Africa’s minibus taxi industry, while providing a crucial transportation service, has been marred by violence for years. The industry is highly competitive and lucrative, leading to deadly conflicts over routes and control. The rise of ride-sharing services like Bolt and Uber has further exacerbated tensions, creating new points of friction between traditional taxi operators and newer entrants. This latest incident highlights the devastating consequences of this ongoing conflict, particularly for innocent bystanders.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis announced a reward of up to 100,000 rand (approximately $6,400 USD as of February 26, 2026) for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the shooting. The City of Cape Town is urging anyone with information to reach forward, even anonymously. Hill-Lewis emphasized the need to protect residents from the “internal fights between taxi bosses.”

Details of the Shooting and Victims

The Grade 8 learner who was killed has been identified as a student at Atlantis Senior Secondary. Two other students sustained injuries and one has since been discharged from the hospital, according to IOL News. Eugene Titus, the deceased taxi operator, was a local businessman in the Atlantis area. Police are actively investigating the incident and have launched a manhunt for the suspect(s).

Isaac Sileku, a senior Western Cape official, condemned the shooting, stating, “It is unacceptable that our children continue to be exposed to danger as a result of ongoing conflict within the taxi industry.” This sentiment reflects the growing concern among officials and community members about the escalating violence and its impact on vulnerable populations.

Ongoing Investigations and Safety Measures

The City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Investigations Unit (SSIU) is assisting the police investigation. JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security, stated that the City is also working to finalize amendments to the Traffic By-law to allow for more decisive action against illegally operating vehicles. These efforts aim to address the root causes of the conflict and improve safety for commuters and residents.

Authorities are also investigating a recent spate of violent incidents in Atlantis linked to disputes within the taxi industry. The community has experienced a series of taxi-industry related deaths, prompting the reward offer and increased police presence.

The situation remains fluid, and authorities are urging residents to cooperate with the investigation. The long-term implications of this violence, and the effectiveness of the proposed safety measures, remain to be seen. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the underlying issues fueling violence within South Africa’s taxi industry and to protect innocent civilians from being caught in the crossfire.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.

Fox Nation is set to release a four-part docudrama, “David: King of Israel,” this spring, bringing the biblical story of King David to life with actor Zachary Levi as host. The series, which will debut weekly beginning in the first quarter of 2026, aims to explore the life of David, from his humble beginnings as a shepherd to his reign as Israel’s greatest king, and his significance as an ancestor of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition. The project arrives as interest in biblical narratives continues to grow, following the success of other faith-based productions.

Levi, known for his roles in “Shazam!,” “Chuck,” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” described the story of David as profoundly resonant, comparing its scope and drama to “Lord of the Rings.” He emphasized the enduring relevance of David’s story, particularly in times of conflict, stating, “It’s unfortunately an evergreen [story] in that we as mankind find ourselves in conflict and war always. The only way to truly battle darkness is to battle it with light.” The docudrama seeks to present a cinematic and historically grounded portrayal of David’s life, highlighting themes of faith, redemption, and purpose.

Production Details and Historical Consultation

The majority of filming for “David: King of Israel” took place in South Africa, chosen for its established infrastructure and experienced crew in faith-based productions, according to Jonathan Towers, Fox Nation’s vice president of development. South Africa offered existing biblical sets and costumes, as well as a robust acting community. South African actor Nahum Hughes will portray David in the series. The production team, led by Warm Springs Productions and executive producers David Cunningham, Marc Pierce, Chris Richardson, and Bridger Pierce, consulted with a diverse group of historians, archaeologists, and biblical experts, including Rabbi Meir Soloveitchik, Rabbi Pesach Wolicki, and Ze’ev Orenstein, director of the City of David in Israel.

Cunningham explained that while the production team took some “creative license” with costume design where historical evidence was lacking, they prioritized accuracy in areas where information was available, such as priestly garments and Goliath’s armor. The goal was to create a visually compelling and historically respectful depiction of the biblical era.

Building on Previous Biblical Dramas

The upcoming series follows the 2025 release of “House of David,” an eight-episode docudrama that quickly became the second-most watched show on Prime Video. Levi noted that “David: King of Israel” complements “House of David” by focusing more directly on the historical and biblical source material, rather than taking extensive creative liberties. He believes this approach will offer viewers a deeper understanding of David’s life and legacy.

Levi on Representation and Hollywood

Levi also shared a personal anecdote about past challenges he faced in Hollywood, revealing that he was frequently passed over for roles due to casting directors making assumptions about his background based on his stage name. In a 2016 interview, Levi, whose full name is Zachary Pugh Levi, discussed being perceived as “too Jewish” despite being a practicing Christian. He expressed frustration with what he sees as a lack of “reality” in Hollywood and a tendency to perpetuate “lies.”

Despite rising antisemitism and hostility toward Israel within the entertainment industry, Levi expressed confidence in the potential for “David: King of Israel” to foster interfaith unity. He also voiced surprise at what he perceives as a distancing from heritage among some Jewish individuals in the industry. “I walk to the beat of my own drum in Hollywood,” Levi said. “I believe when you stand for right and fight for the light you can’t be wrong.”

The premiere of “David: King of Israel” on Fox Nation marks the latest addition to the platform’s FOX Faith vertical, which recently premiered the second season of “Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints.” The series is described as grounded in biblical scripture but told with “cinematic grit,” offering a sweeping portrait of a life marked by courage, violence, passion, failure, and redemption. As the premiere date approaches, Fox Nation anticipates the docudrama will resonate with audiences interested in biblical history and compelling storytelling.

As the series launches, it will be interesting to see how audiences respond to this new interpretation of a classic biblical story and whether it sparks further conversations about faith, history, and representation in media.

Share your thoughts on the upcoming series in the comments below!