When I put a news focus element, and select the query and input the parameters, it appears that everything works when I load the page.
Except that the element appears to have doubled. I checked back on the editor and there is only one element. I have deleted it and reinserted it and same effect.
The interesting thing is if I click the top right tab (to pick a new category), it then reduces to only one news focus element (like it is supposed to function).
Nevermind, just fixed it myself.
If you name your news focus element the same as one of your categories, it will cause this issue. Just an FYI for anyone how manages to stumble on this small bug like I did. 🙂