How to Find Top Stories and Use Daily Maverick While Signed In

Daily Maverick's homepage surfaces its most important reporting in a "Top Reads" list, and signing in changes the reading experience — the site itself prompts that "DM is much better if you are signed in." If you want the day's key stories fast, start with Top Reads; if you want a cleaner, more personalized experience, sign in first.

Finding the top stories

The homepage does most of the work for you. A few elements point to what matters most right now:

• Top Reads — a numbered list (1 through 5) of the day's most important articles, each with a headline, topic tag, and author byline. This is the fastest way to see what the newsroom considers essential.
• Lead stories — the main headlines above and around Top Reads, often the biggest developing story (for example, election coverage or a major court ruling).
• Section blocks — dedicated areas such as Business Maverick, Maverick Citizen, and Maverick Earth group stories by theme.
• Sponsored content — clearly labeled pieces, separate from editorial reporting.

Reading the labels

Each story carries cues that help you decide whether to open it:

Using the site while signed in

The homepage states plainly: "DM is much better if you are signed in." That prompt is the site's own signal that signing in improves the experience. The visible evidence points to a few practical effects:

• A smoother reading experience — the signed-in prompt implies the site is designed to work better once you're logged in.
• Ad management — the homepage shows "Don't want to see this? Remove ads" next to ad slots, indicating that ad visibility is something the site lets you address.
• Personalization — a signed-in state typically supports a more tailored front page, though the exact features aren't spelled out on the homepage itself.

What to do

1. Look for the sign-in prompt ("DM is much better if you are signed in") on the homepage.
2. Sign in or create an account through that prompt.
3. Return to the homepage and check whether Top Reads and your sections reflect your interests.
4. If ads are intrusive, look for the "Remove ads" option shown alongside ad placements.

Navigating by section and author

If you already know what you want, skip the homepage:

• By section — go straight to Business Maverick (business and markets), Maverick Citizen (civil society and social issues), or Maverick Earth (environment).
• By author — click a byline to see everything that writer has published. This is useful for following reporters whose work you trust.
• By topic tag — tags like "LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026" or "TRC ROULETTE" group related coverage into a running thread.

Common sticking points

• Confusing sponsored content with reporting. Sponsored pieces are labeled, but they sit alongside editorial stories. Check the label before you read.
• Missing the Top Reads list. It's a numbered block, not the top banner — scroll to find it.
• Expecting sign-in to be required. The homepage frames signing in as an improvement, not a gate. You can read without it, but the site says the experience is better with it.
• Assuming all sections are equal. Business, Citizen, and Earth are distinct verticals with their own focus; pick the one matching your interest rather than scanning everything.

Quick reference

• Fastest route to important news: Top Reads on the homepage.
• Best experience: sign in when prompted.
• Topic-focused reading: use section blocks (Business Maverick, Maverick Citizen, Maverick Earth).
• Following a story or writer: use topic tags and bylines.