Fix broken np_dev CI
- [X] closes #26725
- [ ] tests added / passed
- [ ] passes `git diff upstream/master -u -- "*.py" | flake8 --diff`
- [ ] whatsnew entry

are the doc / slow failures covered by this? No those are separate > are the doc / slow failures covered by this?

no. docs #26723, slow #26714, and timeouts #26716  k merge away thanks @WillAyd 