'50 Shades' House Raises Eyebrows: Top Headlines Of 2019 In PA

As 2019 comes to a close and 2020 is just hours away, we are taking some time to recap the year in news across Patch sites in Pennsylvania. The year was a busy one for local headlines: a big election in November saw Democratic takeover in county governments throughout the Philadelphia suburbs.

A home marketed as "50 Shades of Maple Glen" drew international attention for its basement and celebrity chef Jose Garces opened his much-awaited restaurant along the Delaware River.

There was tragedy, too. A shooting at a Main Line Wawa shocked the community in March. Bucks County mourned as five family members were found dead in an apartment in February.

The year concluded on a high note as Mrs. Clause had a baby at a Pennsylvania hospital on Christmas. (Really, we're not kidding.)

Here's a look back at some of the most well-read stories of 2019 across the Patch network in Pennsylvania:

New PA Hospital Safety Ratings Released: 8 Get 'D' Grade

New hospital safety grades for Pennsylvania were released in November. Eight in the state got a D. See the full rankings here. MORE

Groom Sexually Assaulted Teen, Fought Cops At Wedding: Police

The man cornered a teen waitress in the bathroom, exposed himself, said "Can you kiss me like you mean it?" and offered her $100, cops say. MORE

Six Philadelphia Police Officers Shot In Standoff

A man who police said shot six Philadelphia Police officers in the city's Nicetown section was apprehended after a lengthy standoff in August. MORE

Main Line Wawa Shooter Targeted Mother Of His Child: DA

A Devon man was charged with homicide after allegedly shooting the mother of his child dead at a Main Line Wawa in March. MORE

Dems Win Big In Philly Area, Setting Stage For Contentious 2020

Democrats throughout the Philadelphia region were celebrated after the November election, emboldened by several election victories that will place them in control of county government for the first time in decades. MORE

Celebrity Chef Opens Bucks Co. Restaurant: See Inside

Celebrity chef Jose Garces has officially opened his Bucks County restaurant. Take a photo tour. MORE

Mystery Of PA Woman's Resort Death Deepens

A 4th person — another Philadelphia-area native — died in 2018 at the same resort under similar circumstances, her family says. MORE

'50 Shades Of Maple Glen': $750K Home With Sex Basement

This uniquely marketed home in Maple Glen features a basement described as a "private adult sexual oasis." MORE

Mom, Daughter Killed 5 Family Members In Bucks Co: DA

A 45-year-old woman and her 19-year-old daughter are accused of killing 5 family members, who were found dead in Morrisville in February. MORE

Pennsylvania's Best School Districts: New 2020 Rankings Released

A new ranking of the Pennsylvania's best school districts has been released. See the top 100 here. MORE

Elderly Woman Kidnapped At Gunpoint At Montco Marshalls

An elderly woman was kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint at Marshalls in West Norriton. MORE

Mrs. Clause Had Baby In Pennsylvania On Christmas Day

In an extremely improbable occurrence, Mrs. Clause had a baby in Pennsylvania on Christmas Day. MORE