[Children play at the home of an alleged drug trafficker in Rio's Complexo do Alemao slum today, as Brazilian security forces declare victory against the city's infamous drug gangs. Image via AP]

Brazilian security forces for the last week have been battling Rio de Janeiro's notorious drug gangs and have issued an ultimatum for gang members holed up in the Alemao favela to surrender. At least 35 people have died so far.

In your conspiratorial Thursday media column: The New Yorker hates Brazil, Laurel Touby bids you farewell, Pinch Sulzberger ups his humor quotient, and sexism exists.