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5 Things you need to know this weekend

Nisqually earthquake 20th anniversary; Skagit dams fish study; Seattle home prices; Chiropractor apologizes; Rare Disease Day.
Credit: AP Photo/Stevan Morgain
Paul Riek checks to see if his car starts after parts of the top half of a nearby building fell on it, during an earthquake in downtown Seattle, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2001. Riek said he had just parked his car there moments before to do some shopping.

Nisqually earthquake 20th anniversary

This Sunday at 10:54 a.m. marks the 20th anniversary of the Nisqually earthquake that rattled western Washington and caused billions of dollars in damage. The magnitude 6.8 quake in 2001 reminded the region that this is earthquake country. 

Since then, scientists have learned valuable lessons and implemented ShakeAlert, an early warning system that detects earthquakes. Read more 

Skagit dams fish study

After a heated battle, Seattle City Light has agreed to study the possibility of helping fish get over all three of their dams on the Skagit River.

The move came a day after the KING 5 Investigators reported that Seattle City Light is accused of operating their hydroelectric project in a manner that hurts salmon, orcas and Native American culture and way of life. 

Seattle’s dams, located on the upper Skagit River in Whatcom County, provide approximately 20% of the electricity used by Seattle residents and businesses. Read more

Seattle home prices

Seattle had one of the hottest housing markets in the country in 2020 with home prices climbing 13.6% over 2019.

U.S. home prices surged at the fastest pace in nearly seven years in December, fueled by low mortgage rates and Americans moving from urban apartments to houses in the suburbs. Read more

Chiropractor apologizes for defying mask orders 

Washington state fined Harbor Life Chiropractic $60,000, accusing the medical practice of refusing to follow the statewide mask mandate.

The co-owner called the fines excessive. He believes mask use should be a personal choice, but said he "felt bad" if patients felt unsafe. 

Bo Mullen said, “I'd like to apologize for that. Because we really are a service-based clinic." Read more

Rare Disease Day

Two Mercer Island moms are raising awareness for 'Rare Disease Day' to support families with similar struggles. 

A socially-distant event is planned for 1 p.m. Sunday at Aubrey Davis Park on Mercer Island. 

Several local businesses are participating by offering discounts and perks for people wearing a zebra face mask, which is their mascot for rare diseases. Read more 

Also see: Seattle local forecast

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