Ok, well I was able to eliminate Nova by selecting the stock launcher after coming out of Safe Mode. The issue still exists. I guess I try to troubleshoot the more possible APPS causing this then update what I find. Thanks.
Ok let us know
You can always select your launcher by Setting>Apps>3 dots to top right >default home launcher can do this for other things set as default also web browser ect..
So, I found the culprit. It's an APP Lock app that I use to only lock a 3rd party text app I have. It didn't affect the S8 I had, but it does this one. So I just need to find a different APP Locking app. Thanks for all your help. Just for the record, this is the one causing the issue.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hyperspeed.rocket.applock.free