The Old World main branch has been updated and is now version 1.0.73566 Release 2024-08-13

This update adds a notable characters filter with the ability to pin characters to it, AI improvements and bug fixes

Full patch notes at https://mohawkgames.com/2024/08/14/old-world-update-127

Unfortunately not, we are still waiting to GOG to resolve this bug. I recommend disabling the GOG Overlay in game (right click game, Manage Installation, Configure, Features) as a workaround to stop them popping up on game start repeatedly.