I am looking into learning Python and using wxWidgets to create front-ends to existing command line tools in *nix based systems and possibly OSX/Windows.

These programs will mostly be for people like my brother who just know how to use his computer instead of how to tweek/configure it. An example program would be nmapFE or Automatix2.

I have some basic experience in C++ and understand "programming logic" but lack the technical skills to use python.

What tools/ resources would you recommend to use for learning what i need to know (relatively) quickly during my spare time between classes and HW?

I prefer visual and "shortened" or "notes" forms of learning as apposed to reading long text's and tutorials. Example code would be even better.

Also, what Python IDE would you recommend?

Well, there's an alternative. If you are better in C++ I would recommend you to try out Qt (application framework) by [http://www.trolltech.com trolltech].

If you are great at C++, a text editor should suffice. Qt has additional tools for you to develop quick GUI, though the code behind handling events for them is separated.

If you are particular about Python, you could installing the bindings of Qt with Python. That'll help you do enough in GUI programming using Python.
Eclipse has plugins for Python, and could be a cool IDE to work on. (IMO)