LOS ANGELES — Dr. Conrad Murray's trial was “fundamentally unfair” because of the publicity surrounding his manslaughter case and the fame of his patient, Michael Jackson, the physician's attorney wrote in papers filed Monday asking an appellate court to throw out his conviction.

Murray's attorney, Valerie Wass, contended that prosecutors failed at trial to prove that the cardiologist was responsible for the pop icon's death. She also contended that the trial judge, Michael Pastor, “displayed a bias” against the doctor.

Murray was sentenced to a four-year sentence after his 2011 conviction for involuntary manslaughter.

NEW YORK — Former congressman Anthony Weiner is back on Twitter.The Democrat, who resigned in disgrace two years ago after tweeting a lewd picture of himself, has launched a new Twitter account: @anthonyweiner.Weiner's first post Monday was decidedly tame: a link to a 20-page policy statement outlining “64 Ideas to keep New York City the Capital of the Middle Class.”Weiner, 48, confirmed by e-mail Monday that the new Twitter account is his.“It seemed like a fresh start was in order especially in light of all the new ideas around which I am hoping to drive conversation and debate,” he wrote.