A "popular press source" in general refers to any news publication, either on paper or online, that has a wide circulation and is popular. Although this doesn't always mean that it is reputable.
The author uses people to describe the scene.
Well could you include the text?
Some examples of similes from 'Letters from Birmingham Jail':
<span>"Like a boil that can never be cured so long as it is covered up but must be opened with all its ugliness to the natural medicines of air and light, injustice must be exposed...."
</span>
<span>"Asia and Africa are moving with jetlike speed..."
</span>
