Cubs Co-Owner Is Trump Pick For Deputy Commerce Secretary

What a month it’s been for Todd Ricketts.

Just weeks after his cubs win the World Series, President-elect Donald Trump taps him to be the deputy commerce secretary.

CBS 2’s Jim Williams takes a closer look at the second in command of the Trump Administration’s business team.

Back when Trump appeared to be a long shot for the presidency, Ricketts was a Trump delegate at the Republican Convention and a Trump fundraiser.

The President-elect’s nominee for deputy commerce department secretary, co-owner of the Cubs, was featured in the CBS television show “Undercover Boss.”

Todd Ricketts is the son TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts. The younger Ricketts is himself an entrepreneur, an owner of North Shore bike shops, among other business interests.

On Wednesday, Mayor Emanuel says he has policy disagreements with the conservative Ricketts but hopes a Chicagoan in the Trump Administration will be good for the city.

“I will worry, no matter what. That said, it’s always good to have people you know who have a relationship, and some link to either your city, project or they know of your work,” the mayor said.

This latest development is a change from when, early this year, family patriarch Joe Ricketts contributed to an anti-Trump political action committee and Trump threatened retaliation.

“I’ll start taking ads telling them what a rotten job they’re doing with the Chicago Cubs,” Trump said previously.

Quite a change since then: The Cubs won the World Series and Todd Ricketts will be in the Trump Administration.

Ricketts’ brother is the Republican governor of Nebraska. Sister Laura was enthusiastic Hillary Clinton supporter.

from CBS Chicago http://ift.tt/2g8saFO

Growing Power Launches A Fresh Market On Wheels For South And West Sides

CHICAGO (CBS) — A retired CTA bus has been given new life as it brings much needed access to quality food into Chicago’s food deserts. CBS 2’s Vince Gerasole hopped on board.

Making its way around the bend is a produce market on wheels. From its plentiful supply of locally grown greens and other vegetables, to its recipe demonstrations, it’s a welcome site in the food deserts it serves.

“There is so much lack of nutrition in the neighborhood because they just don’t have access to fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Napolian Harding from the South Side.

It is a converted CTA bus, making its debut on the road Wednesday, as the second market on wheels for the non-profit growing power.

“There are people in the city who don’t really get how inaccessible food is in some parts,” said Fresh Roberson from Growing Power.

“All the greens are coming from our operations here in Chicago,” said Erika Allen, Growing Power.

On seven small urban farms inside the city, Growing Power plants and harvests the fresh foods it sells to people who need it most.

“We are real urban farmers trying to create a food system that doesn’t exist yet,” Allen said.

Growing Power’s mission caught the attention of Chicago newcomer, the upscale salad chain Sweet Greens, which helped finance the purchase of the bus, and whose employees worked on the farm for a few days.

“There isn’t one silver bullet that will change the food system it’s a combination of everyone’s efforts,” said Nicolas Jammet, Sweet Greens.

And the people on the bus can tell you, bringing healthy food to neglected neighborhoods can nourish the body and the soul.

Growing Power calls its mobile markets, Fresh Moves.

Operating since last year, they currently make 28 stops in ten of the city’s food deserts on the south and west sides. This latest addition to its fleet will increase the number of stops and how long they can remain in each neighborhood.

from CBS Chicago http://ift.tt/2gHozC5

Karen Lewis Not Pleased With Trump’s Pick For Education Secretary

CHICAGO (CBS) — The head of Chicago’s Teachers Union is far from pleased about president-elect Trump’s pick for education secretary.

Trump plans to add charter school advocate, Betsy Devos to his administration.

Teachers Union President, Karen Lewis is concerned Devos might try to override union contract agreements that put a cap on the number of charter schools.

“Don’t ask me why they picked her,” Lewis said. “I know know who put her name on the list, but she’s a nightmare.”

Lewis said the Obama Administration’s Department of Education was far from a walk in the park and vowed to fight against bad policies.

from CBS Chicago http://ift.tt/2fMOZOv

Couple Suspected In Puppy Theft Hit Beauty Shop A Day Earlier: Joliet Police

(CBS) — Last week, we told you about a puppy stolen from a Joliet pet shop.

Police in the southwest suburbs now believe those responsible are behind a series of robberies in the area.

CBS 2’s Sandra Torres explains.

Caught on camera — twice. Joliet police believe these two individuals are behind a series of robberies in the area.

One picture, taken last Tuesday, comes from surveillance cameras inside a beauty store in Joliet. Some $1,400 worth of makeup was stolen, police say.

The next day, the same two individuals were caught on camera stealing an 11-week-old Shih Tzu puppy from the Furry Babies store at Louis Joliet Mall.

This surveillance image shows a couple Joliet police believe may be responsible for a series of thefts. (Surveillance Image/Joliet Police)

The latest news is a relief to pet store owner Ana Soskic, who has been blasting the surveillance images on social media, hoping someone will recognize the suspects. The dog is worth an estimated $3,000, but Soskic says she’s worried about the puppy’s welfare.

“It’s very sad, stressful. We are really worried about the puppy and just want to make sure we get her back safe,” she says.

The owner of the pet shop is offering a cash reward for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible.

The couple in the surveillance picture may have been involved in as many as four robberies in the span of a week, Joliet police say. They are working with neighboring police departments.

from CBS Chicago http://ift.tt/2gHpxhS

More Illinois Residents Sign Up For ‘Obamacare’ Plans

CHICAGO (AP) — Officials say more than 68,000 Illinoisans have selected health plans using the Affordable Care Act’s insurance marketplace, up nearly 1,400 compared to the same time last year.

The sign-ups are happening as President-elect Donald Trump and Republican leaders in Congress discuss repealing the law known as “Obamacare.” It’s unclear what might replace the law if they do repeal it.

Meanwhile, open enrollment for HealthCare.gov began Nov. 1 and continues through Jan. 31. People must enroll by Dec. 15 if they want their coverage to start Jan. 1.

The marketplace policies are the only way some people who aren’t insured through their jobs can get government tax credits to help bring down the cost.

Officials say many Illinois enrollees can find plans with a monthly premium of less than $75.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

from CBS Chicago http://ift.tt/2fSBwrF

Suspect ID’d In Fatal Shooting Of Railroad Security Guard In Harvey

(CBS) — Police in south suburban Harvey are identifying the suspect they say is responsible for the death of a security officer over the weekend.

A Harvey spokesperson says the suspect is Rashad Williams, 24, of East Hazel Crest. Police were expected to hold a news conference this evening, to ask the public’s help.

Prosecutors approved an arrest warrant Wednesday afternoon.

Security guard Tyrone Hardin, 38, of Riverdale was fatally shot Saturday evening when a suspect in a stolen-car investigation crashed a vehicle near 159th and Park. The suspect encountered Hardin, who was working as a Canadian National Railroad security guard, and shot him in the abdomen before stealing his vehicle, authorities say.

Hardin later died at the hospital.

 

from CBS Chicago http://ift.tt/2fSsjQ1

Lawmakers Ask Illinois Governor To Resume Contract Talks

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Nearly three dozen Illinois legislators of both political stripes are asking Gov. Bruce Rauner to resume contract negotiations with the state’s largest public-employee union.

The lawmakers said Wednesday the issue is crucial to the struggling state.

Decatur Democratic Rep. Sue Scherer says “nothing happens if you’re not at the table.”

Republican Rauner ended talks last winter with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees state council. A state labor board sided with Rauner this month that talks were at “impasse.”
That means the governor can impose his terms.

He did that a second time Wednesday in announcing an employee drug and alcohol testing plan.

AFSCME says in a statement it will talk. Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly says the two sides should cooperate on implementing the governor’s provisions.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

from CBS Chicago http://ift.tt/2gm8dyy