[Steven Zahm]

@ Damon

The issue is being caused by the theme and its javascript file. The placeholder text “Search” in the search field for Connections is being submitted as a search term when you make a category selection. You can see this in the address bar after making a category selection. You’ll see cn-s=Search.

Unfortunately the only solution is you’re going to have to edit a Connections PHP file to remove the “Search” placeholder so the theme can not affect it.

Open this file:
class.template-parts.php

Locate this (should be on line 409):
placeholder="' . __('Search', 'connections')

Change it to this:
x-placeholder="' . __('Search', 'connections')

Save the file and overwrite the original.