FYI @RobotZap10000@feddit.nl has provided a solution
That did it! Thank you!
My solution: Desktop Session - System Settings > Session Restore > Start with an empty session
I could probably alternately add the Discover app to the Ignored applications list, but I prefer a fresh session on start.
I was using the pinebook pro ARM laptop with manjaro linux as a semi-daily driver for a while. It is fine for simple tasks and web browsing, but you cannot expect the hardware to be quick or snappy. I had consistent issues with wifi, and eventually I got fed up with the weak performance and switched back to an x86-64 architecture laptop. In terms of software and support, besides the wifi issues, it was fine