Ferguson Enterprises Joins the S&P 500 Index
Plus, commission members honored; NNPS back to school tips; local community earns quality award; Clear the Shelters in August
Ferguson Enterprises Inc. (NYSE: FERG), headquartered in Newport News, announced its selection for inclusion in the S&P 500 index, effective at the open of trading on August 5, 2026. The company distributes water and air solutions to residential and non-residential construction markets and reports approximately 35,000 associates across more than 1,700 locations. The addition follows a five-year transition from a London-listed, FTSE 100 company to a solely NYSE-listed, North American headquartered company, which the company said marks the final step in that transition.
Ferguson CEO Kevin Murphy said, “Joining the S&P 500 is a significant milestone made possible by our 35,000 expert associates and their commitment to the specialized professionals who build and maintain North America.” The S&P 500 includes 500 companies selected based on market capitalization, liquidity and financial viability, according to the release.
S&P Dow Jones Indices, the organization that administers the benchmark, describes the S&P 500 on its official site as a gauge of large-cap U.S. equities made up of 500 companies covering roughly 80 percent of available U.S. market capitalization. The index launched on March 4, 1957.
In other news:
Government
City honors board and commission members at annual appreciation dinner Newport News TV shared a video about the city’s Boards and Commissions Appreciation Dinner, an event celebrating the contributions of volunteers who dedicate their time to serving on various municipal boards and commissions throughout Newport News.
Newport News Electoral Board to Canvass Republican Primary Results The Newport News Voter Registrar announced that the Electoral Board will convene on August 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM to canvass the election results from the Republican Primary held on August 4. The meeting will take place at the Brentwood facility located at 10516 Jefferson Avenue. The Board has scheduled a separate meeting for August 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the office of the Director of Elections in City Hall, 2400 Washington Avenue, to review provisional ballots from the same Republican Primary election.
Education
NNPS Shares Back to School Information for Families NNPS-TV shared a video about back to school preparations for Newport News Public Schools students and families. The segment addressed multiple topics families need to know as the new school year approaches.
Business
Local Apartment Community Wins Regional Multifamily Housing Award The Coastal Multifamily Housing Council recognized Abbitt Management’s Holland Apartments in Newport News for communities completed between 1940 and 1960 during its 41st annual Awards of Excellence Competition. The council, part of the Coastal Virginia Building Industry Association, announced the winners July 16 at a ceremony held at The Founders Inn in Virginia Beach. The event also included Merit Awards for individual performance, Residents’ Choice honors, and Platinum Awards recognizing models, amenities, curb appeal, and maintenance facilities across southeastern Virginia apartment communities.
Virginia Peninsula Chamber to host legislative roundtable Tuesday on nonprofit future The Virginia Peninsula Chamber reports that its Legislative Roundtable series will convene on Tuesday, August 11th to address “The Future of the Nonprofit Sector.” The event brings together community leaders and stakeholders to discuss policy and strategic directions affecting nonprofits across the region.
Huntington Ingalls Industries celebrates 140 years of Newport News Shipbuilding Huntington Ingalls Industries reports that its Newport News Shipbuilding division is celebrating 140 years of operations this year. Founded on January 28, 1886, by businessman Collis P. Huntington, the shipyard has grown into a cornerstone of American defense manufacturing and Virginia’s economy. The facility has designed, constructed, overhauled and repaired more than 800 ships throughout its history, including 49 vessels during World War II. Today, Newport News Shipbuilding serves exclusively as a U.S. Navy contractor, employing 26,000 workers and standing as Virginia’s largest industrial employer. The shipyard’s founding principle, displayed on a memorial to Huntington, remains central to operations: “We shall build good ships here, at a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always good ships.” The facility merged with Mississippi-based Ingalls Shipbuilding in 2011 to form HII, now America’s largest shipbuilder.
Community & Services
Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter Launches August Clear the Shelters Campaign The Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter announces its participation in the annual Clear the Shelters campaign throughout August, offering reduced adoption fees and weekly specials to help more pets find permanent homes. The month-long initiative creates opportunities for residents to provide loving homes for animals in need while taking advantage of special promotions.
Local Teacher Transforms ReStore Donations Into Community Art Galleries Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg reports that items donated to its ReStores are fueling creative community projects beyond their original purpose. Local art teacher Alison Pariso discovered materials at the Williamsburg ReStore that she transformed into Pocket Museums, tiny galleries hosted in local businesses where young artists can display their work and make art more accessible to the public. The initiative demonstrates how ReStore donations create multiple layers of community impact. A recycled newspaper stand purchased from the ReStore is being converted into an art display for a local school, while decorative pieces and other materials found new life as museum fixtures. By donating to or shopping at Habitat ReStores, community members support affordable housing initiatives while enabling unexpected creative projects that inspire local youth and reduce waste.
Mariners’ Museum explores Monitor’s steam engine mechanics and operations The Mariners’ Museum posted a video exploring the mechanical systems that powered the ironclad USS Monitor. The episode provides an in-depth examination of how the vessel’s steam engines functioned, featuring detailed explanations of engine operation, cutoff mechanisms, and the reversing gear that allowed the historic ship to maneuver during combat.
Mariners’ Museum wins four Coastal Virginia Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards The Mariners’ Museum and Park has been recognized in four categories in the Coastal Virginia Magazine Best of Readers’ Choice Awards. The institution earned Best History Museum (Gold), Best Place to Hike or Walk (Gold), Best Science or Nature Museum (Silver), Best Local Attraction (Silver).
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