To the OP, one of the problems with WM leadership is that they no longer filter down information to their associates. (This wasn't always the case.) The associates are kept in the dark because most of the 'changes' involve RIFs (Reduction in Force, aka terminations), doing more with less (dumping more and more on the associates that remain due to the terminations), store closings or ridiculous restructuring that makes no sense at the stores and clubs because those making the decisions have never walked into a store to actually see how things work.
So when associates hear something they should not be privy to or hear partial details of a conversation, leadership will lie to them about what they heard. So the associates come here to share and even get elaboration and confirmation of what they heard, hence rumors.
Mr. Sam would keep his associates in the know and share what he could when he could. The current environment has become so top secret. It doesn't help that most in leadership are from villages missing their id--ts.