I have solved this on my own.
When I was setting up the new database, I was forced to change my password to be more complex.
I setup one password that satisfied cPanel but for some reason it would not work with Retool. So I setup a second password that was shorter but sufficiently complex. The shorter password works with Retool.
The process of updating the database password is very tedious but I have that part done.
For some reason some of my code for updating values in storage no longer works.
My advice on this, if you are using cPanel, start with a complex password at the outset when you are setting up your first database. Changing after a project is developed can be a real headache.
Mike