이코노미스트에 나오는 지문인데 해석이 잘 안되네요

북한 관련 내용입니다.
1.But even with this close-up view. the steady flow of people and goods across the Friendship Bridge
that leads to the North Korean town of Sinuuiju, and a sizeable North Korean presence in the midst,
the people of Dandong have scarcely more insight than anyone else into what might be wrought by the
death of Mr.Kim(김정일)
:해석이 정확히 안되고 2번째 줄 끝에 있는 midst를 어떻게 해석을 해야할 지 모르겠네요

2. Traffic bustled along as usual through Dandong's busy streets, while in the riverside park
pensioners flew kites and peddlers sold trinkets and souvenirs.
:여기서 peddler는 어떤 사람들을 말하는 거에요??