the driver was at-- loss when -- word came that he was forbi

the driver was at__ loss when __ word came that he was forbidden to drive for speeding.
the driver was at__ loss when __ word came that he was forbidden to drive for speeding.
A a ,the B .a ,\
同样的题目,在两份资料上分别给出了不同的答案,而且都有详细的解题说明.唯一的区别在word上,作“消息、新闻”讲时,一个说要the ,一个说,不需要the.我晕!
请高手给个有说服力的理由!