The bankruptcy filing of Tribune Co has confused the case of Neil v Zell as Federal Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer this morning refused to rule on motions in light of the Delaware bankruptcy filing. Both plaintiff and defendant's attorneys said they were reviewing some aspects of the case regarding jurisdiction, but defendants attorney David Bradford noted that the relief sought of removing and replacing some members of the Tribune Co. Board of Directors was clearly within the Bankruptcy Court's jurisdiction. Defendants, who do not now include the Tribune Co., also said it was their belief that the stay issued in Delaware, covered them as well as the Tribune.

Eight additional defendants were added to the case and counsel has not yet been appointed for them, it was noted. The new defendants were members of the Tribune Co. employee benefits committee and other members of the board of directors of the Tribune Co.