QUES: Federal agents said Friday they are investigating the theft of 1,100 pounds of an explosive chemical from construction companies in Colorado and California in the past week .

Federal investigators are looking for possible connections between the theft of 1,100 pounds of an explosive chemical from construction companies in Colorado and California in the past week .

The sentences above mean the same or not?
****
ANS: yes

QUES: With the economy sluggish , producers have had a tough time trying to raise prices .

Economists said the report on wholesale prices showed producers were having a tough time trying to raise prices .

The sentences above mean the same or not?
****
ANS: no

QUES: Amrozi accused his brother , whom he called " the witness " , of deliberately distorting his evidence .

Referring to him as only " the witness " , Amrozi accused his brother of deliberately distorting his evidence .

The sentences above mean the same or not?
****
ANS:
yes