Broken Slider When upgraded to v 2.2

I updated my website to the newest version of wordpress 6.5.5, updated Author Writer to v 2.2, and updated my plugins. However it seems the homepage slider no longer works. Instead of a slider I get a massive parchment-looking image in its place (shown below).

Additionally, no matter what I do, I cannot turn off the parchment image. It remains regardless of what options I attempt to change.

Troubleshooting steps I’ve already taken:

• Deactivated and reactivated the slider via the toggle – No effect.
• Tried alternate pages in the slider settings – No effect
• Changed any featured images to the recommended slider size although a smaller height worked on the previous version – no effect.
• Deactivated all plugins – no effect.
• Reactivated plugins – no effect.
• Reinstalled wordpress – no effect.
• Switched to a different theme and switched back – no effect

Hoping for any assistance in getting the slider to work again, or at least being able to remove the massive block of parchment so that at least content is above the fold.

Thanks!

The page I need help with: [log in to see the link]