Yes, but at the same time, an experienced consumer of headlines should parse this syntax as "Illinois college to shut down. Illinois college hit by ransomeware

Yes, but at the same time, an experienced consumer of headlines should parse this syntax as "Illinois college to shut down. Illinois college hit by ransomeware attack, as well." (i.e., despite weaving the two things together, causation isn't actually claimed). I don't like it, but it's been the nature of the headline game since long before clicks.