Because they are published in the Detroit papers first, quote NWA ALPA officials in the same paragraph and the Atlanta paper could't get the scoop on a fire in their own lobby.

I'm joking but in this case that isn't the type of rumor a D-ALPA type would have made up. It does not fit, they are trying to keep folks calm. They want the "right" merger with the growth, pay restoration and stake in the Company. They want to be relevant to the process. The rumors are at odds with their agenda - so an emotional rumor that hurts unity does not fit with what they want.