Weird Electrical Question

I hope someone can help me with this weird situation.

Recently Ive started having problems with the wall switches in my basement.
All of a sudden they've stopped working. On the dual switch circuit, if I
jiggle the switches it sometimes it works and sometimes doesn't. On the
single switch circuit, I unwired the switch and connected the wires directly
and it all worked fine. This has happened on two different basement circuits
so far.

This summer our area has been hit by a lot of short power outtages. Im
thinking that this may have something to do with it. But Im unsure b/c so
far it seems limited to the basement area of the house.

Anyone have any thoughts? I would appreciate any advice. Hopefully I wont
have to keep buying and replacing switches indefinitely.

Thanks.
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