Local and national news stations use the AP Stylebook for proper methods of writing to publish their stories and releases. Currently, W.Va is the AP formal abbreviation for West Virginia. The AP Stylebook uses this three letter abbreviation instead of the more modern two letter abbreviation that one would find with each of the remaining states. Thus, it is time to revise the proper abbreviation for West Virginia to W.V. This may also help clear up confusion to those unaware that West Virginia is one of the 50 states instead of thinking it is just West of Virginia.