Nation briefs

WASHINGTON

U.S. ends role in Afghan prisons

The United States released the final three detainees from the Parwan Detention Center in Afghanistan yesterday, ending the U.S. operation of any prisons in the country after more than a decade of war, the Pentagon said. Two of the detainees, including Redha al-Najar, were transferred into Afghan custody for possible prosecution, while the third wasn't considered a threat and is seeking resettlement in another country. In 2002, al-Najar was the subject of "enhanced interrogation" techniques by the CIA, according to the newly released Senate Intelligence Committee report.

$1B for early childhood education

Declaring early childhood education "one of the best investments we can make," President Barack Obama followed up yesterday on a promise to expand early education opportunities for tens of thousands of children by announcing $1 billion in public-private spending on programs for young learners. Less than one-third of 4-year-olds are enrolled in preschool, he said, blaming high costs for shutting off access to poorer infants, toddlers and preschoolers. He said studies repeatedly show that children who are educated early in life are more likely to finish their educations, avoid the criminal justice system, hold good jobs and have stable families.

ALABAMASex ring conviction; niece missing

The conviction yesterday in Bay Minette of a woman accused of being part of an incestuous sex ring provided evidence about horrendous child molestation, but didn't answer a baffling question: What happened to a young victim, missing and presumed dead? Wendy Wood Holland, 35, was convicted of sodomy, sexual abuse, sexual torture and child endangerment and faces at least 20 years in prison. Testimony didn't give any clues, however, about the whereabouts of her niece, Brittney Wood, 19. She was last seen with Holland's husband, Donnie, in 2012, and 11 people have since been arrested on sex-related charges. Wood, if alive, could provide important evidence about sexual crimes by her adult relatives, authorities said.