“As much as we all want to plan our lives, God has a way of surprising you with unexpected twists and turns, and His plan is always the perfect plan. I'm looking forward to joining my colleagues once again at WGRZ and the single best news team in WNY!”

In a brief telephone interview, Levin said his initial goal in leaving to spend more time with his family hasn't been lost.

"Jim and I were able to work flexibility with my schedule that will enable me to spend more time with my family," said Levin. "It is the most important thing to me."

He said that he enjoyed working at West Herr and added Scott Bieler, the president of West Herr, was "disappointed but very supportive and understood" his decision to return to broadcast journalism.

Levin's former -- and future -- boss is excited to have him back.

“We are thrilled to have Scott returning to his journalistic passions at 2 On Your Side,” said Toellner on Channel 2's website . “His love of WNY along with his acute and discerning perspective on the stories we tell made him an enduring viewer favorite.”

In a telephone interview, Toellner also had praise for Benigni that suggests he may just stay in news.